Draft Budget 2026-27 to be put on public exhibition
Published on 13 May 2026
Pyrenees Shire Council’s Draft 2026-27 Budget and Ten-Year Financial Plan will be placed on public exhibition from Monday 18 May.
Mayor Cr Damian Ferrari has urged residents to view the draft budget and financial plan and ask questions of Council.
He said the draft budget features a 2.75% rate increase in line with the Victorian Government’s rate cap, an operating expenditure of $28 million and capital expenditure of $7 million. Importantly, road, bridge and drainage renewal and upgrades comprise the major component of the capital program.
However, Cr Ferrari said it was important to acknowledge Council’s projected costs for 2026-27 will grow higher than revenue.
“The rate cap is set by the Victorian Local Government Minister, but the average forecast inflation is projected to exceed 5%, which is well above the 2.75% rise,” Cr Ferrari said.
“The Draft 2026-27 Budget substantially reflects the maintenance of current service standards but, this next financial year, Council will be reviewing a range of services to determine how they can be managed sustainably where costs are exceeding revenue.
“The extent of our road works also reflects increased costs associated with the projected continuation of the fuel price impacts.”
This year’s budget includes $243,500 in important investments across the Shire, including:
- Tanwood Avenue of Honour replacement
- Lexton flood mitigation works
- Landsborough Bowling Club green replacement (Council contribution and subject to external funding)
- Memorial projects
- Avoca Recreation Reserve flood mitigation works (part only)
- Community Asset Committee support and delegated works
- Waubra water bore project
- Playground renewals
- Beaufort Pool liner replacement (if required)
- Beaufort Linear Project (Council contribution and subject to external funding)
- New or relocated bus shelters (provision)
- Defibrillator maintenance and renewal
Cr Ferrari said the Draft 2026-27 Budget reflects an anticipated increase of 3% in Commonwealth Financial Assistance Grants, with the total amount estimated to be $7.607m in 2026-27. (Notice of the actual amount will not be known until after the budget is released, but this is the primary source of Council’s revenue other than rates.)
“Council and the sector continue to advocate for an increase in Commonwealth direct and untied grants to local government representing a fair share of Commonwealth tax revenue. Council’s long-term sustainability is dependent on significant increases in Commonwealth direct and untied grants.”
Copies of the Draft Budget 2026/27 and other documents will be available on Council’s web page at pyrenees.vic.gov.au/Residents/Engage from Monday 18 May for 28 days. Documents can also be viewed at the Beaufort Shire Office, Beaufort Community Resource Centre, and Avoca Information Centre or by calling 1300 797 363 emailing pyrenees@pyrenees.vic.gov.au.
Submissions must be received before 5pm on Monday 15 June. Submissions can be made via Council’s website, posted to Chief Executive Officer, Pyrenees Shire, 5 Lawrence Street, Beaufort VIC 3373 or via email to pyrenees@pyrenees.vic.gov.au
Verbal submissions in support of written submissions can also be made at a Council Meeting on Monday 22 June, Council will consider the adoption of the Draft Budget and other documents at a meeting to be held on Monday 29 June 2026.