Redeveloping community buildings and renewing roads and carparks are key priorities in Council's draft 2025-2026 Budget, which is now available for community feedback.
The draft Budget ensures continued investment to keep the community safe, clean and inviting, funding projects such as trail improvements, park and playspace upgrades, and sustainability initiatives. These initiatives include event delivery and energy efficiency programs to help realise the objectives of Council's Climate Action Plan 2022-2032 and our goal of net-zero community emissions by 2035 and net-zero emissions from Council operations by 2030. It also includes funding for the Gardens for Wildlife program, which supports local residents and schools to create wildlife-friendly gardens.
Mayor John Dumaresq said the draft Budget focuses on the core features and functions that matter most to residents.
"We are committed to delivering services that make Nillumbik a great place to live. This Budget prioritises essential infrastructure and community wellbeing while ensuring responsible spending," he said.
"Major projects include improvements to sporting and community hubs that are jointly funded by the Federal Government, and the continued rollout of improvements to a range of playgrounds through the Shire.
"We've allocated $1.6 million to road and carpark works and a further $1.5 million to building renewal to ensure our vital infrastructure is maintained.
"From a service perspective, the budget addresses fundamental community needs, including maternal child health services, library services, arts and culture, and leisure facilities.
"Almost half the population of Nillumbik has a library membership, and 75 per cent of new mothers attend their maternal child health nurse at least once a year. We recognise the importance of these community connections in Nillumbik and continue to prioritise them," Cr Dumaresq said.
Key capital expenditure projects for 2025-2026 include:
- $1.93 million to fund Diamond Creek Men's Shed (jointly funded by the Federal Government)
- $1.8 million to fund Yarrambat Football Club change rooms (jointly funded by the Federal Government)
- $2.79 million to continue work on the Kangaroo Ground landfill rehabilitation (a statutory requirement of the Environment Protection Authority – EPA)
Council continues to work with and advocate to the State and Federal Governments to deliver major capital works projects and meet statutory obligations.
To provide feedback, visit participate.nillumbik.vic.gov.au/budget-2025 by Sunday 27 April.
