General News
4 July, 2026
Council adopts 2026/27 Budget
PYRENEES Shire Council’s road and bridge improvements will be a major focus of its 2026/27 Budget, adopted at a Special Council Meeting on Monday night. The budget , which includes a 2.75% rate increase in line with the Victorian Government’s Rate Cap, features operating expenditure of $28 million and capital expenditure of $7 million.
This year’s budget includes a range of investments across the Shire, including:
• Road, bridge and drainage upgrades
• Tanwood Avenue of Honour replacement
• Lexton flood mitigation works
• Landsborough Bowling Club green replacement (Council contribution and subject to external funding)
• Memorial projects
• Avoca Recreation Reserve flood mitigation works (part)
• Community Asset Committee (CAC) support and delegated works
• Waubra water bore project
• Playground renewals
• Beaufort Pool liner replacement (if required)
• Beaufort Linear Project (Council contribution and subject to external funding)
• New or relocated bus shelters
• Defibrillator maintenance and renewal
The budget also prioritises renewal of the Shire’s 2,000 kilometres of roads and renewing some of the 150 bridges, with over 100 being over 50 years old.
Mayor Cr Damian Ferrari said the budget strikes a careful balance between maintaining essential infrastructure and responding to community needs.
“This budget reflects Council’s strong commitment to improving our road network and critical infrastructure, while continuing to invest in the facilities and services our community relies on every day,” Cr Ferrari said.
“We know roads and bridges are a top priority for our residents, and this budget delivers targeted investment to improve safety, accessibility and connectivity across the Shire.
“At the same time, we’ve made sure to support important community projects, recreation facilities and initiatives that help our towns thrive.
“Importantly, this has been achieved while keeping rate increases in line with the Victorian Government cap. However, we will continue to advocate to other levels of government to improve Council’s financial sustainability, as inflation is rising much faster than rate revenue.
“We will also need to review a range of our services over the coming year to determine how they can be managed more sustainably to maintain a future financially responsible position.”
Council’s 10-Year Financial Plan was also adopted.
Council CEO Jim Nolan said the Victorian Government’s rate cap must be addressed in the future to ensure small councils can remain sustainable.
“Council is experiencing rising costs that are higher than the rate cap, particularly in areas such as construction, materials, insurance, utilities and service delivery. These cost increases place ongoing pressure on Council’s budget and financial capacity,” Mr Nolan said.
“In response to these challenges, Council is carefully reviewing its services and how services are delivered. This includes looking for efficiencies, prioritising spending, and planning responsibly to ensure Council can continue to deliver essential services and key projects into the future.
“Sound financial management remains a priority to help Council remain sustainable in a challenging economic environment. Council is committed to delivering value for money for ratepayers by maintaining essential infrastructure, providing quality services, and planning for the long-term needs of our community,” Mr Nolan said.
Read More: Amphitheatre, Avoca, Beaufort, Evansford, Landsborough, Langi Kal Kal, Lexton, Moonambel, Mount Lonarch, Natte Yalock, Raglan, Redbank, Snake Valley, Stockyard Hill, Trawalla, Waubra