Community Members Consider Impacts of Bendigo Council Budget and Updates
Ratepayers and meeting attendees review the effects of the approved 2026/27 budget, unchanged waste charges, city centre planning changes and new security proposals.
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The City of Greater Bendigo approved its 2026/27 budget with unanimous support, allocating $280 million including $97 million for capital works like the Bendigo Art Gallery redevelopment and Low Line trail.
Budget Approval and Capital Projects
Residents in Greater Bendigo will see funds directed toward the Bendigo Art Gallery redevelopment and the Low Line trail as part of the $97 million capital works allocation within the overall $280 million budget. The unanimous council vote provides a clear direction for these projects that affect local infrastructure and public spaces.
Unchanged Waste Rates
Waste and bin collection rates will remain unchanged for the 2026/27 financial year. This decision delivers cost certainty for ratepayers across the municipality who rely on regular collection services.
Planning Scheme Amendment
The council is advancing Planning Scheme Amendment C279gben to update the city centre framework. The amendment introduces a new Activity Centre Zone and Parking Overlay, with public exhibition expected over the next 12-18 months. Community members interested in city centre development will have the opportunity to review and comment during that period.
Security Measures at Meetings
Mayor Peter Cox confirmed the council is investigating increased security and fines up to $350 to prevent future disruptions at public meetings. This follows an anti-Islamic protest shutdown and directly concerns residents who attend or follow council proceedings.
Council Representation Update
Donna Nicholas succeeded John McIlrath as the Lockwood Ward councillor after a by-election in March 2026. McIlrath had resigned in November 2025, so the change affects representation for residents in that ward.
These council decisions touch on everyday services, future development and access to public meetings for people living in Greater Bendigo. Ratepayers can expect continued stability in waste charges while monitoring progress on the listed capital projects and the planning amendment exhibition timeline. The council has not announced further dates for security policy finalisation or additional community consultation sessions beyond the planning exhibition window already noted.
Sources:
Source material used in preparing this article is listed below so readers can check the original record.
Covering news in Bendigo. This article was generated by AI from the linked sources, under human editorial accountability and risk-based review and our reasonable editorial care. Sensitive material is held for human review before publication. See our reasonable editorial care.
Beta: AI-assisted and human-overseen. Details may be imperfect, so please verify anything important.
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