Thanks for your feedback

The Integrated Council Plan 2025–2029, Budget 2025/26, and Revenue and Rating Plan 2025–2029 were adopted at the Council Meeting on Monday, 16 June 2025. These documents set the strategic direction for the next four years, outlining how Council will invest in services, infrastructure and community priorities across Whitehorse.

Your feedback played a key role in shaping the final documents, thank you to everyone who took the time to contribute. Below is a summary of what we heard and how Council has responded.

We asked:

As part of the Shaping Whitehorse engagement program, we invited community feedback on Council’s Proposed Budget 2025/26 and Revenue and Rating Plan 2025–2029. These documents outline how Council plans to fund services, maintain infrastructure, and deliver on the priorities identified in the Integrated Council Plan 2025–2029.

You said:

• Protecting and enhancing public open spaces was a clear priority, including the need to increase tree canopy cover.
• There was strong support for investment in walking and cycling, with some seeking increased funding for active transport.
• While some community members raised concerns about affordability of rates, others noted Council’s continued focus on financial sustainability.
• Some residents also highlighted the need for improved dog park facilities, with safer, more accessible spaces for off-leash exercise.
• There was a strong desire for more balanced investment across the municipality, with a greater focus on core services.

Our response:

Protecting and expanding public open space

Council is committed to enhancing open space as the community grows, though acquiring new land can be challenging. The soon-to-be-finalised Open Space Strategy recommends new open spaces in high-growth areas, while the Urban Forest Strategy sets out targets to increase tree canopy, including planting 500 additional trees each year. Council also continues to advocate for strong tree protections on private land as part of broader planning reforms.

Invest more in walking and cycling infrastructure

Council recognises the community’s desire for more support for walking and cycling and continues to prioritise safe, accessible, and connected trail networks and public spaces. Investment in healthy, unstructured recreation remains a focus, and in response to community feedback we have allocated $150,000 in the 2025/26 Budget to develop an Integrated Transport Strategy to guide future improvements.

Affordability of rates

Council recognises the financial challenges faced by households and businesses and kept this front of mind when developing the 2025/26 Budget. Like the community, Council is feeling the impact of inflation and increasing costs, particularly in areas such as construction, materials, and insurance. Despite this, Council has taken a responsible approach, proposing a 3% rate increase, in line with the Victorian Government’s Fair Go Rates System. This ensures we can continue delivering high quality services and investing in infrastructure, while remaining mindful of an uncertain economic landscape.

Provision of a dog park facility

Council acknowledges the growing interest in improved dog amenities and has allocated $50,000 in the 2025/26 Budget to complete a technical and feasibility study on potential dog park options in Whitehorse. While past dog park proposals faced community opposition, the draft Open Space Strategy includes recommendations for managing dog access and identifying suitable sites. Master plans for key reserves such as Strathdon Davy Lane and Mahoneys Reserve are also exploring fenced dog park options, with inclusive access remaining a guiding principle.

A more balanced approach to Council spending

Council aims to meet diverse community needs by balancing investment across services and facilities. While investment in infrastructure supports physical activity, social connection and wellbeing, particularly for young people and local clubs, we also recognise the importance of accessible open space and services for older residents. Council continues to prioritise parks, public spaces, positive ageing, universal accessibility and programs that support active lifestyles for all ages. Where possible, we seek external funding and aim to broaden the use of facilities for wider community benefit.

What's Next

The Budget 2025/26 and Revenue and Rating Plan 2025–2029 have now been adopted and are available on the Your Say Whitehorse platform and Council’s website.

The Integrated Council Plan 2025–2029 was also adopted at the Council Meeting on 16 June 2025. While the final designed version is not yet published, the adopted content remains the same as the draft version currently available on Your Say. The final document will be made publicly available once professionally formatted.

The Financial Plan and Asset Plan are scheduled to be presented to Council for endorsement by October 2025.