GREATER Shepparton City Council adopted its 2025/26 budget at the June Council meeting last week. The budget aims to deliver growth and opportunity while remaining financially responsible.
Notably, the budget presents an operating surplus of $3.99M achieved, which is a result of ongoing financial reform since 2021, and a result of good fiscal management following a period marked by external challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and 2022 floods.
Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said Council had been on a journey to improve its financial management outcomes since the adoption of the Financial Plan 2021, seeking to ensure that the organisation remains financially responsible.
“The 2025/2026 Budget places Council in a positive operating position, which is great to see following several years of financial impacts,” Cr Sali said.
“In getting to this position, we have prioritised where Council spends its money, choosing to invest in maintaining and improving assets we currently have and ones which the community love. Council has also continued to review its services and infrastructure to ensure they meet the needs of our growing community for years to come.”
The Budget prioritises investment in the region’s infrastructure, with a $66.4M Capital Works Program. This includes more than $41M of renewal and upgrade programs, including:
• Stage 2 of the Lenne Street Drainage Upgrade
• Construction of the Princess Park Multi-Use Pavilion
• $13.3M for road renewals
• Change room upgrades at Congupna Recreation Reserve
• Completion of the Yahna Gurtji Shared Path, connecting KidsTown to Gemmill’s Swamp
• A refresh of the Mooroopna Library
• Footpath renewals in Shepparton, Murchison and Mooroopna
• Hardcourt renewals at Katandra and Shepparton
• Several playground renewals across the region.
It also includes strategic investment in several new assets for the community, such as:
• Completion of GV Link Stage 1
• Completion of Cormorant Park at Seven Creeks Estate
• Purchase of land at Victoria Park Lake Holiday Park
• Installation of Lemnos memorial signage.
“We are extremely pleased to be delivering on such an extensive and robust Captial Works Program next financial year,” said Cr Sali. “This demonstrates Council’s investment in the region and ensuring we put money into the services and facilities which the community use every day.
“Community input played a vital part in shaping this Budget, with Council receiving 132 submissions across 25 key topics during consultation, and 22 community members took the time to present to Council in person. I thank everyone who participated in this process. Your input ensures our Budget remains grounded in the needs and aspirations of our residents.”
The 2025/26 Budget includes changes to rates and charges, with rating differentials adjusted to ensure the amount of rates paid by farming properties remains fair and equitable, along with the kerbside service charges remaining steady, with a less than 1 per cent increase equating to only $1.50 to $3.50 per household.
Residents will notice a change in Resource Recovery fees from July 1, 2025, due to the EPA increasing their landfill levies by 28 per cent this year, resulting in Council paying more to dispose of waste at landfill.
Also at the June meeting, Council adopted its Revenue and Rating Plan 2025-2029, setting out the most appropriate and affordable revenue and rating approach for the municipality.
The Plan is an important part of Council’s integrated planning framework and was developed through consultation with Councillors and the community, setting the municipal charge, general, farm and commercial/industrial rate for the region.
Council’s Borrowing Policy and Investment and Cash Management Policy were also adopted, to maintain financial stability and discipline.
“The current group of Councillors are striving to ensure Council remains robust and financially viable for the community. Each of these documents serve in achieving good financial management for the organisation and Greater Shepparton,” said Cr Sali.
“I believe we have achieved a strong balance to ensure the continued and positive growth for our great region.”
The adopted 2025/26 Budget and Revenue and Rating Plan 2025-2029 can be found online at Greater Shepparton City Council’s website.
