Bendigo Council Locks In $280 Million Budget Before October Election

Greater Bendigo City Council adopted a $280 million budget for 2026-27 that directs nearly $100 million to roads, buildings, parks and community facilities, according to coverage in Southern Riverina News. The decision occurred before the council entered caretaker mode, which now restricts major new commitments until after the October 24 local election.

The timing matters because postal voting has already begun for the election, leaving the current council unable to make substantial changes or commitments until a new group takes office. Residents therefore face a period where routine operations continue but larger projects require fresh approval from the incoming councillors.

Infrastructure Spending and Local Priorities

The adopted budget allocates the bulk of its infrastructure funds to everyday assets that Bendigo residents use daily, such as local roads and public parks. This focus comes as the council manages existing commitments without introducing new large-scale initiatives during the caretaker period.

One recent completed step involves a remediation plan for contamination in Bendigo Creek linked to the former Bendigo Gasworks site. A site management plan is now scheduled to follow over the next six months, according to reports from Times News Group.

Heritage Proposals and Ward Changes

Council is also reviewing proposed heritage overlay changes covering 18 sites, which could affect a planned $30 million hotel development on the former Bendigo Timber Company Store site, as detailed in Bendigo Advertiser coverage. Any final decision on those overlays will fall to the new council after the October election.

Separately, Lockwood Ward, which had been vacant since November 2025, was filled when councillor Donna Nicholas won the by-election held in March 2026. This brings the ward back to full representation while the broader election process continues.

With the October 24 election approaching and postal voting underway, residents should check their enrolment details and return ballots on time to ensure their input shapes the next council’s decisions on the budget, heritage matters and creek remediation work.