Have Your Say - Draft Annual Budget 2026/27
Overview
The Draft 2026/27Annual Budget is currently on public exhibition and open for submissions.
It outlines how Buloke Shire Council plans to allocate funding to deliver essential services, maintain infrastructure, and invest in community priorities for the year ahead.
The Draft 2026/27 Annual Budget reflects Council’s strategic goals and has been developed through a series of planning workshops with councillors, incorporating input from the community and aligning with Council’s long-term vision and Council Plan.
Key highlights include:
- A proposed 2.75% increase in general rates and the municipal charge, consistent with the Victorian Government’s rate cap
- A projected surplus of $31.8 million, largely due to potential disaster recovery grants
- An underlying operating deficit in line with previous years
- A $49.6 million capital works program, including $33 million in carry forward projects
The Draft 2026/27 Annual Budget supports the delivery of vital services while addressing financial sustainability and recovery priorities.
How you can be involved
The Draft 2026/27 Annual Budget can be downloaded HERE
A hardcopy can also be viewed at the Wycheproof Customer Service Centre, 367 Broadway, Wycheproof or requested by contacting Buloke Shire Council on 1300 520 520 or buloke@buloke.vic.gov.au
Submissions must be received in writing no later than 5:00PM on Thursday 7 May 2026 and can be provided in the following ways:
- Email to buloke@buloke.vic.gov.au
- In person by placing a submission in the box at the Wycheproof Customer Service Centre, 367 Broadway, Wycheproof.
- By mail addressed to the Buloke Shire Council, PO Box 1, Wycheproof, Victoria 3527.
Following the consultation and review period, any person and/or organisation who makes a written submission in relation to the draft 2026/27 Budget may be heard by Council at the scheduled Public Submissions Hearing in
Wycheproof, on Monday 25 May 2026.
The Draft 2026/27 Annual Budget is scheduled for adoption at the Council Meeting on Wednesday 17 June 2026 at 7:00PM