On 25 March 2025 Council resolved that the draft 2025-2026 Budget, Capital Expenditure Program 25-26 to 2034-35, Fees and Charges Schedule 25-26 and Revenue and Rating Plan 2025-2029 be advertised for public consultation.

These documents outline the future strategic direction and key activities that Council will undertake and how these activities will be funded. The documents were made available for public inspection, with written submissions sought from 26 March until midnight on 27 April 2025.

The opportunity to read the documents and provide feedback in a submission was promoted on social media (reaching over 5,000 people across 6 posts) and featured twice in our e-newsletter, delivered to over 11,000 people.

48 public submissions were received during this period, with 16 people wishing to speak to their submissions at the Hearing of Submission Meeting on 6 May 2025. Councillors listened to the submissions and are now reviewing and considering the written submissions and draft responses to each, as prepared by Officers. We thank all submitters for their time, constructive submissions and feedback.

The final draft Budget will be considered by Council at the 10 June meeting.