Benalla Rural City Council has adopted its 2025/26 budget.
The budget reflects community feedback, following its public exhibition.
It aims to deliver a responsible financial plan that balances community needs with long-term sustainability, and outlines key investments in infrastructure, services, and community programs, while addressing financial challenges.
Mayor Bernie Hearn thanked council staff, her fellow councillors and the community for their efforts in shaping the budget.
"We wanted to deliver a budget that completes many of the initiatives we’ve started, and I believe we’ve achieved that, “Cr Hearn said.
"This budget reflects our commitment to the Benalla Rural City community, ensuring we continue to provide essential services and invest in projects that benefit everyone.
“Council's cash position over the term of the budget, and in subsequent financial years, remains positive, allowing continued investment to support growth.
“The financial position will be continually scrutinised for potential savings.
“Additionally, we will advocate for further external funding opportunities, attract new businesses, facilitate industry expansion, and develop visitor economy prospects.”
The 2025/26 budget outlines several key initiatives aimed at enhancing the infrastructure and community services in Benalla, including:
- Progressing the Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre redevelopment to improve facilities for indoor sport and activities.
- Implementing the Benalla Destination Management Plan designed to boost tourism and the local economy.
- Adoption of the new Benalla Landfill and Resource Recovery Centre Masterplan for future proof planning and development of the site.
- Implementing an upgrade to corporate software to enhance operational efficiency.
- Development of a Benalla Rural City Open Space Strategy to improve and expand public open spaces for community use.
- Implementing the Benalla Rural City Municipal Health and Wellbeing Action Plan to promote health and wellbeing among residents.
- Development of a concept plan for the Benalla Station Precinct Plan and CBD Precinct Linkage upgrade to improve connectivity and urban planning.
- Finalising the Benalla Airport Masterplan to guide future developments at the airport.
- Developing the Churchill Recreation Reserve Masterplan to enhance recreational facilities.
- Progressing the Benalla Local Development Strategy to support sustainable growth and development.
Major capital projects scheduled for delivery in the budget’s first year include:
- Commencing delivery of the Benalla Art Gallery Redevelopment project.
- Allocating of a further $160,000 to playground replacement and fencing projects.
- $4.178 million will be spent on the road network.
- $1 million has been allocated to the Fawkner Dve Precinct Pump Track.
- More than $2 million has been committed to rehabilitation and development works at the Benalla Landfill and Resource Recovery Centre.
- $718,000 has been allocated to drainage remediation and repair work.
"This is a responsible budget that balances community benefits with financial sustainability,“ Cr Hearn said.
“It’s about ensuring we meet the needs of today while planning for the future.”
Benalla Rural City Council’s forecast result for 2025/26 is a surplus of $3.979 million, with a budgeted adjusted underlying deficit in 2025/26 of $610,000.
Rates are set to increase by three per cent, in line with the Victorian Government’s Fair Go Rates System.
For more information, visit www.benalla.vic.gov.au/2025-26-budget or call 5760 2600.