Councillors endorsed the 2025-26 Council Budget at the Tuesday, 10 June Council meeting, following extensive community engagement and public consultation.

In developing this year’s Budget, Yarra Ranges Council Mayor, Councillor Jim Child, acknowledged the current economic challenges and emphasised the need for financial sustainability whilst meeting the diverse needs of the local community.

“Despite the challenges in striking the right balance when developing this Budget, we remain committed to using ratepayer’s money responsibly and have adopted a balanced approach to setting rates to ensure we meet our community’s needs whilst ensuring Council’s financial sustainability.

“In listening to our community, we recognise the need to focus on the essential infrastructure such as roads, drains, footpaths and well-maintained townships, which is why first and foremost, this year’s Budget prioritises investment and maintenance of existing infrastructure to ensure our community runs smoothly.

“We understand the financial pressures our community are facing due to the rising cost-of-living, which is why, we have carefully considered the impact of our decisions on the community while constructing this Budget.

“Access to quality community facilities is important to our residents, so I am pleased to see exciting progress of several priority projects, including funds to complete the much-needed redevelopment of Seville Recreation Reserve and Community Pavilion, and the advancement of the Don Road Pavilion upgrade.

“This year’s Budget also sees the completion of the ngarrak barring art trails in the Dandenongs and Stage 1 of the Warburton Bike Park, both of which will be widely used by residents and provide a much-needed boost for local businesses.

“Thanks to funding from State and Federal governments, significant progress is also being made on the Yarra Valley Trail, which will become one of Australia’s most iconic trail experiences right in our backyard.

“The 2025-2026 Budget has been developed in accordance with the State Government’s fair go rates system which announced a three percent rate increase in December 2024.

“This enables Council to continue to meet the needs of our community now and into the future, while keeping pace with the rising costs of delivering many of our services, including the increased cost for materials and supplies.

“Council is confident that this is a financially responsible and sustainable Budget which allows us to continue to provide quality infrastructure and essential services to our 165,000+ community members, positively impacting their everyday lives”.

The 2025-26 financial year also sees some changes to the sizes of bins that residents can choose, in response to community requests. Residents can customise bin sizes for the three waste services (80L, 120L or 240L) with a new 80L Food and Garden (FOGO) waste bin and a 240L rubbish bin (red lid) now available. To make changes complete our Change my bin online form on or call on 1300 368 333.