We're seeking community input to help us shape the 2025-26 Budget and the Revenue & Rating Plan 2025-29.

Tell us how you think future funds should be raised and invested. Have your say by completing the following survey and/or by making a direct budget submission:

1. Take the Rates, Revenue and Spending Priorities Survey: Influence how funding is allocated in the 2025/26 Budget and give feedback on how revenue and rates will be raised across the municipality.
2. Make a Budget Submission: Request funds for a specific community project, service or initiative you want to see council invest in next year.

Make your submission by 31st January 2025 for it to be considered.

This is your opportunity to have your say and to help us develop Council's budget for 2025-26.

Read below to learn more and scroll down to the end for the survey links.

Learn more:

Community Survey on Spending Priorities and Revenue & Rates

Each year council prepares an annual budget which enables us to manage and deliver over 50 services as well as invest in works like roads, footpaths, community facilities and other infrastructure. The Budget details how we will finance and resource our services as well as the priorities and strategic objectives outlined in the current Council Plan 2021-2025.

The Revenue & Rating Plan 2025-29 is one part of ensuring Council's financial sustainability by setting out how rates, fees, charges and other income sources will be raised to fund the Budget. It also sets out how rates will be distributed across the municipality in a fair and equitable way. For more information, refer to the Understanding the Rating Plan.

With economic pressures impacting Council's financial sustainability, we need to deliver the projects and priorities that matter most to our community, while managing the budget responsibly.

Community input is crucial in helping Council decide where to focus resources and efforts to best support the local community.

2025-26 Community Budget Submissions

Rural City of Wangaratta residents, community groups and organisations can make a submission to request funding for a specific project or idea in the 2025-26 Budget.

Your idea must be submitted using the form below and should include details on your proposal, how it will benefit the community, and most importantly, how much you estimate the project would cost.

Submissions will be reviewed with Councillors and Officers and will be assessed for feasibility, financial viability, and alignment to the Council Plan. Those with a shortlisted submission will also be asked if they wish to present their idea directly to the Council. All contributors will receive responses and be informed if their proposal is adopted in the final 2025-26 Budget.

How will my feedback be included?

We are engaging with community members earlier than usual this year to ensure your input can be fully considered in the development process.

That means we are engaging with the community in a more proactive manner and there will be no public exhibition period of a Draft Budget this year as a result. So, submit the surveys now to have your say!

Your input is essential in shaping priorities and ensuring that our resources are allocated effectively to meet the needs and aspirations of the community.

All survey responses and budget submissions will be carefully considered by council Officers and Councillors. As always, some of this feedback will make its way into the Budget and Revenue & Rating Plan and some won't. Feedback may also help to inform future planning as well as Council's next 10 Year Financial Plan.

Council needs to take a balanced approach when considering the feedback in the context of all other relevant factors, including the current economic climate, the rate cap, available grant funding and resources. It also needs to consider that any increase in one area needs to be matched by reducing spending in another.

The final 2025-26 Budget and Revenue & Rating Plan documents will be published on council's website once adopted by Councillors, no later than 30 June 2025