Budget commits to renewal, housing and advocacy

Looking after existing assets and investing in housing-related infrastructure figure prominently in Council’s 2025-2026 Annual Budget.

“We have a focus on reducing the asset renewal gap - this means Council is investing in and looking after our existing Council buildings, bridges, roads and paths which are valued in excess of $850 million,” Mayor Cr Ben Blain said. 

“Investing in the infrastructure we already have was some of the feedback we heard from the community during consultation for the development of the Budget and Council Plan.”

Council will invest $9.25 million in existing assets, including: 

•    $200,000 for capital works at the holiday parks;
•    $800,000 for an upgrade of the roof at AquaZone;
•    $800,000 towards making the Civic Centre more accessible; and,
•    $200,000 for renewing and upgrading the outdoor netball courts surfaces at Caramut Road. 
 

The capital works budget of $28.9 million includes: 

•    $5.2 million for an innovative key worker accommodation project at Shipwreck Bay Holiday Park;
•    $7.2 million for completion of work at Wollaston Road including the relocation of high voltage powerlines; and 
•    $534,000 for new footpaths in the industrial precinct that ensure safe linkages to residential areas.

“We’ve also set aside funding to create a precinct plan for the former saleyards site in Caramut Road. This is an important parcel of land with enormous potential, and we will make sure it is developed in a way that delivers the best possible outcome for our city,” Cr Blain said.

“This precinct plan, the Wollaston Road investment, the key worker accommodation at the holiday park and advocating for the Harrington Road housing project are part of a focus on enabling residential growth and contributing to a housing solution.” 

The budget forecasts rates of $36.5 million, a municipal charge of $5.9 million and a waste charge of $7.8 million, providing Council with a tax income of $50.4 million. The remaining forecast $58 million of revenue is sourced predominantly from user fees and grants. 

The rate increase is in line with the Victorian Government’s rate cap of three per cent, with the average impact of the increase on homeowners to be $1.36 a week. 

 
“Council will continue to invest in our Warrnambool Library with $177,000 in new books,” Cr Blain said. 

“The library opened in late 2022 and has attracted thousands of members and visitors each year. 

“We believe the library has the largest membership of any single organisation in Warrnambool. 

“And three years ago, Council introduced a new winter event – Solstice Search Party – that instantly struck a chord with many in the community and region. 

“We have committed to staging this event once again and we encourage local businesses to leverage this family friendly celebration opportunity at a traditionally quiet time for tourism in Warrnambool.  

“As part of this year's renewal program Council will also complete works on a property it owns that houses a number of vulnerable, disadvantaged Warrnambool residents. The service is operated by a local charity and we will invest in the property to ensure it meets contemporary expectations.”  

As with other sectors, pricing pressure is driving costs in local government and putting pressure on Council’s underlying financial position. 

This financially responsible Budget forecasts a small operating surplus that builds on Council’s long-term sustainability while continuing to deliver on initiatives that fulfil the objectives of our Council Plan.

“Council continues to use your rates and charges efficiently to deliver important services and community infrastructure,” Cr Blain said. 

“It is important to note that State and Federal governments collect about 95% of the taxes paid by Australians.