In short:
Wyndham Council has adopted its 2026-27 budget, locking in $178.5 million for roads, parks, community facilities and other infrastructure projects across the city. The budget also includes a 2.75 per cent rate rise, higher bin charges and a review into whether Wyndham should seek a future increase above the state-imposed rate cap.
2026-27 Budget Approved
Wyndham councillors have signed off on a $178.5 million infrastructure spending program that will pour tens of millions of dollars into roads, sporting facilities, parks and community projects across the municipality over the next financial year.
The 2026-27 budget was adopted at Tuesday night’s council meeting and sets out how Wyndham City will spend, save and raise money over the coming 12 months as the city’s population continues to surge.
Roads and community infrastructure are among the biggest winners.
More than $56.5 million has been allocated to road projects, while recreational, leisure and community facilities will receive $61.3 million.
Parks, open spaces and streetscapes have been allocated $25.1 million, with a further $4 million set aside for footpaths and cycleways. Overall, council will spend $178.5 million on capital works during 2026-27.
The budget also includes a $1 million allocation towards the redevelopment of Hogans Road Reserve.
To fund services and projects, councillors approved a 2.75 per cent rates increase, in line with the Victorian Government’s annual rate cap.
Rate Caps Under Inflation
The rate cap is the maximum increase councils can apply to their overall rates revenue without receiving approval from the Essential Services Commission.
The budget papers reveal council is becoming increasingly concerned about the long-term sustainability of the cap, arguing recent rate increases have failed to keep pace with inflation and the growing costs of servicing one of Victoria’s fastest-growing municipalities.
Council’s report states that rates constrained below inflation have contributed to several years of underlying operating deficits and a significant reduction in unrestricted cash reserves.
It also points to ongoing inflationary pressures, population growth and increasing demand for services as key financial challenges.
While rates will increase by 2.75 per cent, council has budgeted for inflation of 3.8 per cent, with many fees and charges also increasing by that amount.
Residents will also pay more for waste services from 1 July.
Waste Charge Increase and Rate Situation to be Explored
The annual Waste Management Charge will rise from $461.80 to $487 per property, an increase of $25.20.
Council says the increase reflects the cost of delivering kerbside collection, litter and dumped rubbish services, as well as higher EPA levies imposed by the State Government.
The municipal charge applied to all rateable properties will increase from $70.32 to $72.25.
Councillors have also asked officers to prepare a report examining whether Wyndham should seek a rate cap variation for 2027-28.
If pursued, a rate cap variation would allow council to apply to increase rates above the state-imposed cap, subject to approval from the Essential Services Commission.
Officers have been asked to assess the likely impacts such a move would have on residents and the broader community.
The budget also flags the possibility of up to $80.7 million in future borrowings to help fund major capital works projects, although any borrowing would require separate council approval.
Cr Larry Zhao refused to attend the meeting, marking the second consecutive year he has boycotted a budget vote.
