Bendigo Council Budget 2026/27: $280m Plan Passed

The City of Greater Bendigo has adopted its 2026/27 budget, a $280 million spending plan that passed unanimously at a council meeting on Monday, June 15. Seven of the nine elected members were present for the vote; Whipstick Ward councillor Owen Cosgriff sent an apology ahead of the meeting, and Axedale Ward’s Shivali Chatley was on planned leave.

All seven councillors in the chamber spoke in favour of the document, including Mayor Thomas Prince. Prince described the budget as “grounded in financial responsibility and discipline,” and said it struck “a really good balance” between competing pressures.

Rate cap, rising costs and borrowed funds

The mayor noted that the budget was drafted under a state-imposed rate cap of 2.75 percent, the maximum increase allowed on rates revenue for the coming year. “We’re operating in a rate-capped environment … while facing increasing demands for services, and rising costs to deliver them,” Prince told the meeting. He added that the plan ensures the council is “living within our means, maintaining a strong financial position, and making careful, considered decisions about how we allocate every dollar.”

The council will borrow $7.3 million to help fund capital projects, a move it says was needed to “strategically support capital delivery while maintaining financial sustainability.” According to the budget document tabled at the meeting, net debt is projected at $10 million in 2027, climbing to $26.6 million by 2031.

Capital spending and what ratepayers won’t pay more for

Of the total $280 million in spending, $97 million is allocated to capital works. The largest line items include the continuing redevelopment of the Bendigo Art Gallery and the ongoing construction of the Low Line walking and cycling trail along Bendigo Creek. Also funded are a renovation of the conservatory near Rosalind Park and renewal of the cricket wicket and oval at Strathfieldsaye Recreation Reserve.

One line item that will not increase: bin and waste collection charges. The budget holds those fees at their current level for the next financial year.

Prince framed the document as one crafted at a time when many households are feeling cost-of-living pressures. “This budget has been developed at a time when many in our community are feeling the impact of rising costs, and at the same time, councils, just like households, are being asked to do more with less,” he said.