Annual Budget
Following two community conversations to inform its development, the Annual Budget 2025/26 has now been endorsed.
Council will spend $145 million to fund the delivery of essential services, facilities, and infrastructure.
The Budget includes $21.6 million to support five major projects: moving Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre off gas and continuing the Splash Park project; demolition of RecWest Footscray and upgrade of Shorten Reserve; a new pavilion at Hansen Reserve; and detailed design to progress Creative West.
Of the top five ranked community priorities:
- Almost $9 million has been allocated for parks and gardens.
- Almost $6 million has been allocated for streetscape improvements, including Barkly Village and Clarke Street Park in West Footscray, Bunbury Street in Footscray and in shopping and activity centres.
- Just over $4 million has been allocated for continuation of masterplanning for Pipemakers Park, Yarraville Gardens and Footscray Park.
- $2.3 million has been allocated for Footscray Library and Braybrook Hub refurbishment.
- $1.7 million has been allocated for improved pedestrian walkways in the Footscray CBD and other improvements, including the lifts at the Little Saigon Carpark.
- In response to the top five ranked community priorities, Council has also allocated $4.3 million for community centres and libraries, and almost $1 million for cycling and pedestrian infrastructure.
Changes to rates
3% increase in line with the rates cap allowed for by the State Government.
Revenue and Rating Plan
Also endorsed was the Revenue and Rating Plan 2025-29, which will guide how we will generate income for at least the next four financial years.