Have your say on our Proposed Budget 2026/27

We’re inviting you to share your feedback on our Proposed Budget 2026/27, which will help shape how we deliver services, infrastructure and opportunities for our community.

This Proposed Budget outlines how we plan to fund the priorities for the next financial year. It supports the long-term aspirations of the Whitehorse 2040 Community Vision and delivers on the commitments in our Integrated Council Plan 2025–2029.

The actions funded through this Proposed Budget are guided by what we’ve heard from our community. In 2024, through the Shaping Whitehorse consultation, community members shared their ideas and priorities for the future. These insights directly informed our Integrated Council Plan and now shape the projects, services and initiatives proposed for the year ahead.

You can find more information on previous years budgets and the Integrated Council Plan 2025-2029 (includes the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan) at Shaping Whitehorse

The Proposed Budget 2026/27 details the investment in services, programs and a significant capital works program that will support our growing and changing community.

It focuses on delivering practical improvements that contribute to a safe, connected and resilient city, while responding to current and emerging community needs.

This Budget has been developed in a challenging and evolving economic environment, based on the best information available at the time of its preparation. Since then, global events have contributed to renewed inflationary pressures and increased volatility in fuel prices, construction costs and supply chains.

Through strong governance and responsible financial management, Council remains well placed to respond to these challenges. We are actively monitoring economic conditions and assessing where needed, so we can continue delivering essential services while maintaining investment in the infrastructure that supports our growing and diverse community

Budget snapshot

  • $195 million operational budget to deliver services
  • $85 million capital works budget
  • In 2026/27, it is proposed that rates in Whitehorse will increase on average by 2.75%, in line with the State Government’s rate cap

Proposed Budget highlights include:

  • $27.52 million for household bin collections and public waste services
  • $17.93 million for the maintenance of sports fields, parks and gardens
  • $16.15 million for leisure and recreation services
  • $12.98 million for family services and community health

Capital works highlights include:

  • $14.18 million to continue the construction of the Box Hill City Oval major redevelopment
  • $13.68 million in pavilion upgrades
  • $8.00 million provision for land acquisitions
  • $3.36 million for footpath renewal program
  • $2.91 million for Road Resurfacing Program and $1.47 million for renewal of kerb and channel
  • $1.62 million for the renewal and upgrade of playgrounds
How to get involved:
  • Read the Proposed 2026/2027 Budget and frequently asked questions
  • Attend one of our pop-ups and share your thoughts in-person
  • Complete the survey. Your responses will be treated confidentially. Your data will be handled in accordance with Whitehorse City Council's privacy policy
  • Hardcopy surveys are available at Whitehorse customer service centres and libraries. Once completed, return your survey to any customer service centre by the closing date.

Customer Service centres are located at: 

  • Whitehorse Civic Centre- 379-399 Whitehorse Road, Nunawading 
  • Box Hill Town Hall- 1022 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill  

Whitehorse Manningham Libraries are located at:

  • Blackburn Library- Cnr Blackburn & Central Roads, Blackburn
  • Box Hill Library- 1040 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill
  • Nunawading Library-379 Whitehorse Road, Nunawading
  • Vermont South Library-Pavey Place, Vermont South

Please note: late feedback and submissions will not be accepted

Survey