Why we're consulting

Wodonga Council is presenting a Draft Budget 2024-2025 and Draft Financial Plan 2024-2034 to the public and encourages feedback from the community.

The budget is an important document as it outlines how we will deliver services and programs to our community. It covers services like managing waste, upgrading our infrastructure, community facilities and parks, operating our libraries, recreation centres, events and services to people at all stages of life.

Your feedback as part of the first stage of consultation has helped to shape the development of the Draft Budget 2024-2025. You can read about the feedback received from the community here.

The financial plan extends the focus beyond the immediate term, outlining projections for revenue, expenditure, assets, and liabilities over the next decade.

During the budget process, council is guided by the current council plan. This document is being reviewed ahead of year four of the plan. Learn more and have your say here.

Background information

Wodonga Council has prepared a draft budget for the 2024 – 2025 financial year that aims to achieve a financially sustainable operating position while continuing to deliver vital services to our community.

The Draft Budget 2024-2025 effectively strikes a balance between delivering services and undertaking capital projects for the community, while also ensuring financial sustainability.

The Draft Financial Plan 2024-2034 forecasts modest underlying surpluses across all years, signalling financial stability and responsibility.

Overall, the Draft Budget 2024-2025 and Draft Financial Plan 2024-2034 prioritise effective service provision, strategic investment in infrastructure, and responsible financial management to meet the needs of the community while ensuring a stable fiscal future.

The council is now seeking community feedback on the Draft Budget 2024-2025 and Draft Financial Plan 2024-2034.

Budget highlights

Rate increase and financial responsibility

The budget presented to the community includes a 2.75 per cent rate rise, in line with that set by the Victorian government. The increase is below the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to lessen the impact on ratepayers.

Capital works and renewal programs

The draft budget includes a program of new capital works totalling $15.8 million, inclusive of a fully funded renewal program totalling $12.12 million.

This year will see the completion and opening of Baranduda Fields.

Wodonga Creek Precinct Activation project

A budget highlight is the Wodonga Creek Precinct Activation project, which has received a $2 million grant from the Albury Wodonga Regional Partnership Projects fund.

This would see development along Wodonga Creek and link the Wodonga CBA, Belvoir Park and Gateway Island through to Albury by connecting to the Wodonga pathways network to open up access to the river.

Community events

Following a hugely successful North East Food and Wine Festival in 2023, the council will once again deliver the event in 2024. Wodonga Seniors Celebrations will also be held again, coinciding with the Victorian Seniors Festival.

Growth and further development

Further facilitation and development of the land at Logic Industrial Estate, leveraging its strategic position on the Hume Freeway and ensuring it is able to be customised to meet any development requirements.

Document Library

Ways to have your say

This consultation is open from Wednesday, May 15 to 5pm Monday, June 10, 2024.

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