West Wimmera Shire Council’s 2026-27 Draft Budget and Annual Plan were endorsed by Council at its meeting on 15 April 2026 and are now on public exhibition for community feedback.
Council will consider community feedback prior to the formal adoption of the budget and annual plan at a future Council meeting.
Key features of 2026-27 draft budget and annual plan
The West Wimmera Shire Council 2026-27 draft budget reflects a responsible and considered approach to planning in a challenging financial environment, with a strong focus on sustainability, service delivery, and the effective use of available resources.
The development of this year’s budget has been influenced by ongoing funding constraints affecting regional and rural councils, along with uncertainty surrounding material and service costs. An allowance has also been included to account for increased fuel prices throughout the 2026-27 financial year.
Despite these challenges, Council remains committed to delivering outcomes for the community while maintaining strong financial discipline and long-term sustainability.
The draft budget provides for a 2.75 per cent increase in rates and charges revenue, in line with the Victorian Government’s Fair Go Rates System cap
Highlights:
The 2026-27 draft budget includes:
- Operating revenue of $25.862 million
- Operating expenditure of $29.977 million
- Capital projects expenditure of $8.27 million
- Cash operating reserves projected at $4.494 million as at 30 June 2027
The 2026-27 capital works program represents a significant increase on the previous year, with more than $8.27 million to be invested in capital projects.
Of this investment:
- 65 per cent ($5.441 million) will be directed towards renewal and upgrade of critical infrastructure assets
- 14 per cent ($1.124 million) will support upgrades to existing assets
This balanced approach ensures Council continues to maintain essential infrastructure while making targeted improvements that benefit the community.
Council will continue to pursue state and federal funding opportunities to support local infrastructure and community development projects, recognising the important role external funding plays in delivering key initiatives.
Council is also focused on strengthening internal processes, refining project planning, and identifying opportunities for alternative revenue streams where appropriate. This approach supports the efficient delivery of services in a financially responsible and community-focused way.
How you can be involved
Read Council’s 2026-27 draft budget and annual plan
Read all documents below or view a copy at Council’s Customer Service Centres, 25 Baker Street, Kaniva, or 49 Elizabeth Street, Edenhope.
Read the 2026-27 draft budget here(PDF, 1MB)
Read the 2026-27 annual plan here(PDF, 16MB)
Provide feedback
Community members are invited to provide feedback in relation to the draft budget 2026-27 and the annual plan 2026-27. Council will consider community feedback prior to adoption of these documents.
If you have a proposal or bid you would like Council to consider as part of its future budgets, please submit this via Council’s Innovation Platform here or by completing a form at either of our Customer Service Centres.
All feedback must be received by Council by no later than 12pm on Monday 11 May, 2026. To provide feedback, fill out the form below.
Public feedback form
Next steps
Council will consider all feedback it receives from the community on the 2026-27 Draft Budget and Annual Plan. Following this process, Council will look to formally adopt both documents at its Council meeting on 17 June 2026.