2026/27 Council Budget Adopted
Golden Plains Shire Council’s Budget 2026/27 was adopted by Council at its 26 May Council meeting.
The $62 million Budget focuses on balancing financial sustainability with maintaining services and continued investment in projects that are valued by our community.
The 2026/27 Budget has been prepared based on the adopted principles within the 2025 2029 Council Plan and Financial Plan with rate revenue modelled at a 2.75% average rate cap increase in accordance with the Minister for Local Government’s announcement in December 2025.
Prior to the formulation of the Draft Budget, Council undertook a multi stage community engagement process in November and December 2025, inviting residents to contribute through Budget submissions, an online survey, and Thinktank workshops. The Budget was then presented for adoption at the May 2026 meeting.
Key Features of the 2026/27 Budget
• $61.4m to continue to deliver more than 70 services to the Golden Plains community
• 2.75% rate cap
• Operating surplus of $1.9m, with an overall adjusted underlying deficit of $6.7m
• Waste management fee at $497 per property
• Windfarm income at $2.3m (Mount Mercer, Berrybank and Golden Plains Wind Farms)
• $14.6m investment in capital assets, including infrastructure, buildings, recreation, leisure and community facilities and plant machinery and equipment
Of the $14.6 million capital works program, Council is investing more than $7.0 million in renewing vital community assets, with a strong focus on our extensive rural road and bridge network.
To read the 2026/27 Budget, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/budget
DISCOVER CAREER PROSPECTS AT UPCOMING INDUSTRY NIGHTS
Golden Plains Shire Council is hosting two Industry Night information sessions featuring a range of industry professionals, training providers, local businesses and inspiring guest speakers.
Although designed with young people in mind, the sessions are open to all ages, with opportunities to join the Q&A or chat directly with experts.
Each Industry Night focuses on a theme chosen by Golden Plains young people. This years themes are Music Industry and Hair & Beauty.
These events offer a valuable chance to connect with local professionals, training and apprenticeship providers, hear real‑world experiences and explore potential career pathways. Event details:
• Hair & Beauty – Tuesday 23 June, 6 to 8pm at the Bannockburn Cultural Centre
• Music Industry – Thursday 25 June, 4 to 6pm at the Golden Plains Youth Hub
The Golden Plains Shire Council Industry Nights are a part of our Youth Work Ready Program which provide genuine opportunities for Golden Plains young people to develop skills, knowledge and make connections to support their journey to employment. The program is supported by the Victorian State Government’s Engage Initiative.
For further information and to register, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/events
Registrations are available through Eventbrite and light refreshments will be provided.
latest
The second issue of the Golden Plains Shire Council Gazette for 2026 is now available.
This issue is full of important news and stories from all corners of the Shire, including the Golden Plains Shire Council Budget 2026/27, 2026 Community priorities, road safety updates, Golden Spaces Winter 2026 Exhibition Launch, and much more.
To read the Gazette, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/publications.
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR FIRST SATURDAY IN JUNE
The June Golden Plains Farmers’ Market will be held tomorrow from 9am to 1pm at the Bannockburn Heart.
A favourite among locals and visitors alike, the market offers live music, delicious food stalls, great coffee, and a relaxed country atmosphere.
The Golden Spaces 2026 Winter Exhibition will also officially launch inside the Bannockburn Cultural Centre at 10am.
For more information, visit goldenplains. vic.gov.au/community/farmers-market
This month’s Farmers' Market also coincides with Council’s free community e waste drop off event at the Golden Plains Civic Centre, running from 9am to 1pm. Bring along your unwanted electronic items and take advantage of both events in one convenient morning.
To learn more about the e waste event, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/e-waste