Why we're consulting

Every year, Council delivers a range of services, infrastructure and capital projects across our region to deliver on Council's key commitments. These commitments are detailed in our plans and strategies such as the 2025-2029 Council Plan, Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan and Asset Plan.

To deliver these services and projects, each year a budget is developed - informed by a long-term financial plan so that council operates in a sustainable, transparent and coordinated approach.

Wodonga Council is now inviting thoughts, ideas and priorities from the community to feed into the development of the Draft Budget 2026–2027 and Draft Financial Plan 2026-2027 to 2035–2036.

Feedback received during this consultation will help council understand the current needs and wants of the community. That information can then be considered along with previously identified priorities, legislated responsibilities and safety and risk improvements to enable informed decision making on what to include (or not include) in the draft budget and financial plan.

Background

The Budget, Financial Plan and the associated Revenue and Rating Plan provide the financial foundation for how council can deliver on the commitments within our strategies and plans. The Revenue and Rating Plan 2025-2029 was adopted in June 2025 and will continue to work alongside the new budget and financial plan.

Council's Finance and Budget Delegated Committee met on November 17 where they adopted a set of principles and assumptions that will inform the development of the draft budget for 2026-2027. The principles and assumptions set the guardrails for what the budget might look like.


What will the budget look like?

The 2026-2027 budget will need to focus on sustainability as we continue to manage costs which are increasing quicker than revenue. This means that most of our funds are used up providing existing services, maintaining existing infrastructure and delivering existing priorities. It will be difficult to find funds for new initiatives - every year there are many worthwhile projects or activities that could be done that can't be accommodated within the budget.

For more information about Council's budget and financial position, you might like to check out the 2025-2026 Budget or the 2024-2025 Annual Report.


What about rates?

A decision about rates for 2026-2027 has not yet been made. Prior to December 31, 2025, the Victorian Government will announce the 2026-2027 Rate Cap. Following the announcement, Council's Finance and Budget Delegated Committee will consider and determine a rate change to be used as an assumption in the continuing budget development. This will be finalised and included in the draft budget which is expected to be made available on public exhibition during May and June 2026 prior to final adoption by Council.

Ways to have your say

This consultation is open from Monday, December 1 to 5pm Monday, January 12, 2026.

Anyone who lives, works, studies or invests in Wodonga or visits the municipality and uses the facilities, is invited to review the information provided, ask questions and provide feedback during this time.

Ways to provide feedback:

If you need an alternative way of providing feedback, please get in touch: