How Greater Bendigo Council Reached Its 2026-27 Budget and Caretaker Status

Greater Bendigo City Council adopted its $280 million 2026-27 budget, directing nearly $100 million to roads, buildings, parks and community facilities, at the same time the council entered caretaker mode with postal voting underway for the October 24 local election.

Path to the 2026-27 budget

The budget was shaped by earlier financial pressures, including a $9.4 million deficit forecast in the latest finance report that led council to take out a $3 million loan. These figures were reported before the final budget adoption and reflect the constraints under which the current council operated while preparing the 2026-27 spending plan.

Heritage and planning changes

Council approved Planning Scheme Amendment C279gben to implement the Bendigo City Centre Plan, introducing a new Activity Centre Zone, updated heritage guidelines and a parking overlay. The process is expected to take 12-18 months. At the same time council is considering proposed heritage overlay changes for 18 sites that could affect a planned $30 million hotel development on the former Bendigo Timber Company Store site.

Environmental remediation background

A remediation plan addressing contamination of Bendigo Creek from the Bendigo Gasworks site has been completed and approved by the EPA. A site management plan is now scheduled to be developed over the next six months, following directly from the completed remediation works.

Ward representation and election timeline

Lockwood Ward has been represented by councillor Donna Nicholas since she won the March 2026 by-election that filled the vacancy created by the previous councillor’s resignation in November 2025. With the full council now in caretaker mode, major new decisions are limited until after the October 24 election results are declared.

Residents can follow updates through the council’s official channels at letstalkgreaterbendigo.com.au as the election period continues.