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Have your say on Baw Baw Shire 2025/26 Draft Annual Budget, send your feedback by 21 May 2025

Baw Baw Shire Council seeks community feedback on the 2025/26 Draft Budget, Capital Works Program, and Revenue Plan. Submissions close on 21 May. Your input will shape key projects and services for the year ahead.

By news@gippsland - 24th April 2025 - Back to News

Community feedback is now being sought on council's 2025/26 Draft Annual Budget and other key strategic documents for the year ahead. Baw Baw Shire Council endorsed the draft budget and associated documents for community consultation at yesterday's council meeting for a four-week period, with feedback submissions closing on Wednesday 21 May.

Community feedback sought on Baw Baw Shire 2025/26 Draft Budget and key strategic documents for upcoming year, feedback submission will be closing on 21 May 2025

Community-driven budget

This is the first draft budget for the council term and has been shaped through early community engagement which took place in January, along with extensive time and careful deliberation. This budget champions the community's needs and aspirations by supporting sporting infrastructure, celebrating arts and culture, expanding community grants and boosting support for events that bring us together.

Baw Baw Shire Mayor Cr Danny Goss said the draft budget proposed a balanced and financially sustainable approach to funding the essential infrastructure and services delivered to our fast-growing community.

Council continues to navigate the challenges of our growing community and demand for services, while striving to remain financially sustainable. Although approximately $800,000 in new rates is collected annually from people moving to our region, the cost of maintaining and expanding services to match community growth significantly outweighs this revenue.

Accountable, adaptable and strong

Despite these pressures, council remains committed to delivering a liveable, well-supported community. This year's budget reflects that commitment as "it's both financially responsible and responsive to the needs of our growing Shire," said the Mayor.

The draft budget includes income of $141 million and operating expenditure of $118 million, resulting in a surplus of $23 million. After excluding non-recurrent grants received for capital purposes, capital contributions from other sources and gains from the disposal of surplus assets the adjusted underlying result is a deficit of $3 million.

Investing in community

A $46 million Capital Works Program is proposed to enable council to enhance the liveability of our Shire through the delivery of essential services and community assets. Some key highlights in the proposed budget include:

• An ongoing annual amount of $500,000 will be set aside for natural disasters response
• $100,000 ongoing increase to the Community Grants Program.
• $20,000 extension to the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee program.
• Continue to progress the Significant Tree Register Project in preparation for an amendment to the Baw Baw Shire Planning Scheme
• Preparation for the introduction of council's Food Organics and Green Organics (FOGO) service
• Implementation of the Economic Development and Visitor Economy Strategy
• Strategic planning and review of the Burke Street Sporting and Logan Park Precincts
• Delivery of Copelands Road, Warragul upgrade - $3 million
• Delivery of Drouin Streetscape Works (Commercial Place) - $1.6 million
• Design of Longwarry Pavillion
• Delivery of Dowton Park Pavilion Upgrade, Yarragon - $2.3 million
• Delivery of Rollo Street Masterplan Project, Yarragon - $1 million
• Strategic Land Purchases - $6 million

"We are deeply committed to working alongside our community to deliver the priority projects and services that matter most to our growing community. I want to thank the community members that got involved in the early budget consultation at the beginning of the year and encourage everyone to provide further feedback on what is proposed for the year ahead. We are listening and welcome all feedback," said the Mayor.

The total suite of documents available for public exhibition includes the Draft Budget 2025/26, Draft Capital Works Program 2025/26 and Draft Revenue and Rating Plan 2025/26 - 2028/29. To review these key strategic documents and provide a feedback submission, please visit Baw Baw Connect - 2025/26 Draft Budget website.

Pictures from Baw Baw Shire Council website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Bass Coast Council is inviting mobile businesses to apply for a 12-month trading pilot across six locations in Phillip Island, Anderson and Inverloch, with applications closing 27 November 2026.
• East Gippsland Council introduces free Payble online service offering ratepayers flexible, convenient and automatic payment options for rates
  East Gippsland Council has introduced Payble, a free, secure online service allowing ratepayers to automate payments, choose flexible schedules, check balances and manage rates conveniently.
• Latrobe City Council urges Premier Ben Carroll to include the region among Victoria's three free dental clinic locations
  Latrobe City Council urges Premier Ben Carroll to select Latrobe City for a free regional dental clinic, improving affordable healthcare access and reducing cost-of-living pressures.
• Community groups encouraged to apply for East Gippsland’s 2026-27 grants program before 14 September 20260 deadline
  East Gippsland community groups can apply for 2026–27 grants supporting community, environmental, social and wellbeing projects, with funding from $3,000 to $20,000 available until September 14, 2026.
• East Gippsland property owners receive 2026/27 rates notices as council sets average increase below state cap
  East Gippsland property owners have received 2026/27 rates notices, with Council’s average increase set at 2.5%. Payment options, objections and face-to-face support are available for residents
• Latrobe City Council schedules 40 kilometres of road upgrades across municipality
  Latrobe City Council will resurface 40 kilometres of local roads during 2026/27, including resealing and asphalt works across six communities to improve safety, extend road life and prevent potholes.
• Cowes Freedom of Entry Parade marks 125 years of Australia's Commonwealth Naval Forces and naval service tradition parade on 7 August 2026
  Bass Coast Shire Council invites the community to Cowes' Freedom of Entry Parade on August 7, celebrating 125 years of Australia's naval heritage with HMAS Cape Woolamai personnel and the Royal Australian Navy Band.
• Liberals and Nationals pledge to double prescribed burning and target five percent annual public land fuel reduction
  The Liberals and Nationals pledge to double prescribed burning and work towards treating five per cent of public land annually, alongside cultural burning, improved transparency and targeted fuel reduction to strengthen bushfire preparedness.
• Gippsland community groups invited to apply for grants up to $20,000 under Stronger Communities Program Round 10 until 23 November 2026
  Gippsland community organisations can apply for $2,500 to $20,000 grants under Round 10 of the Stronger Communities Programme, with $150,000 available for local infrastructure and social benefit projects.
• The Nationals pledge $10M boost for Victoria's Neighbourhood Houses, supporting community hubs facing rising demand and cost pressures
  The Nationals have pledged $10 million over four years for Victoria's Neighbourhood Houses, including $4 million for existing services and $6 million to establish and expand hubs in growing regions.
• Supercars Championship returns to Phillip Island in 2027 following Victorian government multi-year contract announcement
  Bass Coast Shire Council has welcomed the Supercars Championship return to Phillip Island in 2027 under a Victorian Government multi-year contract, supporting regional tourism and economic transition following MotoGP and World Superbikes departures.
• Moe Inline Hockey Championships secure five-year council funding, expected to boost $15M into local economy through visitor spending
  Latrobe City Council will provide $100,000 over five years to support Moe’s Australian Inline Hockey Club Championships, expected to generate $15 million locally through visitor spending and accommodation.
• Coastal erosion forces indefinite closure of Kilcunda Rail Trail section for safety from 26 August 2026
  Bass Coast Shire Council will close a Kilcunda Rail Trail section indefinitely from August 26 after severe erosion washed away two metres of dune, threatening trail safety.
• Bass Coast offers free green waste disposal from 31 October to 22 November to help residents prepare for bushfire season
  Bass Coast Shire Council will accept domestic green waste free at its four waste facilities from 31 October to 22 November 2026, helping residents reduce bushfire hazards before summer.
• Latrobe City pushes for fair community benefits, transparent water pricing and long-term investment as Yallourn Mine rehabilitation progresses
  Latrobe City Council has urged fair community reinvestment, transparent water pricing and long-term funding certainty as EnergyAustralia seeks water entitlement for Yallourn Mine rehabilitation.
• East Gippsland targets Canberra visitors in new Spring Tourism Campaign, destination marketing and supporting local businesses
  East Gippsland Shire Council has launched a Canberra-focused spring tourism campaign, testing evidence-led marketing strategies while attracting shoulder-season visitors and supporting local businesses through targeted promotion.
• East Gippsland simplifies footpath permit fees, reducing costs for businesses while supporting safe, vibrant, accessible town centres
  East Gippsland Shire Council has introduced a simplified, tiered Goods on Footpath permit fee structure, reducing costs for many businesses while supporting vibrant town centres and maintaining safe, accessible public spaces.
• Regional hospitals face staffing and funding pressures as new nurse-to-patient ratios take effect across Gippsland health services
  East Gippsland Shire Council is installing two louvered roofs at Bairnsdale Library, improving shade, weather protection and outdoor activities, with works expected to take two weeks.
• Marlo's Healeys road timber bridge to be replaced with stronger steel structure built for 100 years
  East Gippsland Shire Council will replace Marlo’s ageing Healeys Road timber bridge with a $642,780 steel structure, improving safety, access, load capacity and long-term reliability for local users.
• East Gippsland coastal management plan gains ministerial approval after extensive community consultation and collaboration across region
  East Gippsland's Coastal and Marine Management Plan has received Ministerial Approval, recognising three years of community consultation and providing a shire-wide framework for sustainably managing coastal and marine environments.
• Rob Moffatt officially joins Latrobe City Council as Morwell River Ward's newly elected councillor after by-election and oath of office
  Latrobe City Council has welcomed Rob Moffatt as Morwell River Ward's newly elected councillor. He formally commenced after taking his oath, joining the nine-member council for the remainder of its current term.
• Martin Cameron seeks government answers over delays threatening Latrobe Magnesium's commercial project and regional investment
  Martin Cameron is pressing the Victorian government over delays affecting Latrobe Magnesium’s commercial project, warning investment and hundreds of Latrobe Valley jobs could be lost.
• Coalition seeks crossbench support to scrap Labor’s forestry carbon credit method
  The Coalition is urging crossbench Senators to reject Labor’s Improved Native Forest Management carbon credit method, warning it overstates emissions savings, threatens forestry jobs and reduces timber supply.
• Nationals demand stronger policing as rising Latrobe Valley crime fuels growing community safety concerns and frustration
  The Nationals say rising Latrobe Valley crime and fewer police officers demand urgent Labor government action, calling for stronger policing, tougher laws and better resources to restore community safety.
• Gippsland community groups share $60,000 in Federal Volunteer Grants to strengthen local organisations and support volunteers
  Twenty-four Gippsland not-for-profit organisations will share more than $60,000 in federal grants to improve volunteering, reduce barriers to participation and strengthen local communities.
• Statement from CEO Tilla Buden - Councillor Ben Lucas to contest Victorian state election
  West Ward Councillor Ben Lucas will contest the Victorian State Election on 28 November 2026. He plans to seek leave from Council, with administrative arrangements underway to ensure Council operations and procedures continue during his absence.
• East Gippsland's new disability network brings diverse community voices together to help shape council decisions and services
  East Gippsland’s new Disability Network has attracted 33 expressions of interest, bringing together people with disability, carers, families and sector representatives to help shape Council decisions and improve accessibility.
• West Gippsland community invited to document local biodiversity during first-ever month-long West Gippy Bio-Blitz citizen science projects
  West Gippsland CMA is inviting residents to join its first Bio-Blitz throughout October, documenting local plants and wildlife through iNaturalist to build a snapshot of the region’s biodiversity.
• The Nationals unveil Tradie Support Plan for Eastern Victoria, targeting skills shortages, apprenticeship costs and toll expenses
  The Nationals have announced a tradie support plan featuring apprentice training subsidies, 10 technical colleges for 5,000 students, and a $50 weekly toll cap, aiming to address skills shortages and support eastern Victoria businesses.
• Latrobe City encourages community conversations and support during Gambling Harm Awareness Week 2026
  Latrobe City Council will host free events from 24 to 31 October for Gambling Harm Awareness Week 2026, helping residents recognise gambling harm, explore support services and start conversations with family, friends and neighbours.
• Swooping season returns across Latrobe, with council urging residents to take precautions around nesting birds
  Latrobe City Council is urging residents to stay alert during swooping season, avoid nesting areas where possible, check Victoria’s Swooping Bird Map and take precautions when walking outdoors.
• RMIT architecture students unveil 12 community-informed design proposals exploring the future of Omeo Justice Precinct at upcoming exhibition
  RMIT architecture students will exhibit 12 community-informed proposals for Omeo Justice Precinct from November 6, exploring heritage preservation, gathering spaces and tourism through a research partnership with Council and residents.
• East Gippsland Seniors Festival returns this October, inviting community events across the shire
  East Gippsland’s Seniors Festival returns in October, inviting community groups to submit events celebrating older residents under this year’s ‘Connect, Create and Celebrate’ theme.
• Stallholder applications open for 2026 Latrobe City Children's Expo connecting families and community services
  Stallholder applications have opened for the 2026 Latrobe City Children's Expo, offering organisations and entertainers the chance to connect with thousands of local families during National Children's Week celebrations.