The draft budget proposes:

Rates are Council’s main source of income. They help fund the services, infrastructure and community facilities used across the Town every day.

For 2026–2027, Council is proposing a 4.3% increase in general rate revenue, excluding growth from new development.

This includes:

• 3.3% to maintain existing services and respond to cost increases

• 1.0% to fund new initiatives and the ongoing costs of assets delivered in previous years

This increase supports Council’s ability to keep delivering services the community relies on, while also investing in infrastructure renewal and future priorities.

What does “excluding growth” mean?

New development adds new properties to the rate base. When Council refers to the proposed rate increase excluding growth, it means the increase applying to existing ratepayers, separate from additional revenue received from new properties.

Your rates are based on the value of your property and the rate in the dollar set by Council each year.

Property values are provided by the Valuer General. Council does not set individual property values but uses those values to work out each property’s share of the total rates needed to fund services and infrastructure.

Rates help fund a wide range of services and infrastructure.

We understand that many households are facing cost-of-living pressures, and that paying rates can sometimes be difficult. Council offers a range of payment options to help make rates more manageable, including flexible payment arrangements.

If you are having difficulty paying your rates, please contact Council early. Our team can talk you through the options available, including payment plans and financial hardship assistance. We are here to help, and contacting us early can help reduce stress and avoid additional fines, interest or recovery action.

View rate payment options and hardship support

Council has prepared the draft budget with a focus on balancing service delivery, asset renewal and long term financial sustainability. This means making decisions that allow Council to continue delivering services now, while also planning for the future cost of maintaining and renewing community assets.

Council is continuing to work towards the objectives in its Long Term Financial Plan, including:

• maintaining expenditure control

• narrowing the asset renewal gap

• supporting a financially sustainable position over the long term

The draft budget forecasts an operating surplus, while also delivering a capital works program focused on renewing important community assets.

Why does Council aim for an operating surplus?

An operating surplus means Council is raising enough income to cover the cost of delivering services and maintaining assets over time. This helps reduce pressure on future budgets, supports Council’s ability to meet debt servicing commitments, and contributes to long-term financial sustainability.