Benalla Rural City Council adopted its 2025/26 Budget and Revenue and Rating Plan 2025-2029 at its Council Meeting held on Wednesday, 25 June 2025.
The budget, which is reflective of community feedback following its public exhibition, delivers a responsible financial plan that balances community needs with long-term sustainability. It outlines key investments in infrastructure, services, and community programs, while addressing financial challenges faced by Council.
Mayor Cr Bernie Hearn expressed her thanks to Council staff, her fellow Councillors and the community for their efforts in shaping the budget.
“We wanted to deliver a budget that completes many of the initiatives we’ve started, and I believe we’ve achieved that, “Cr Hearn said.
“This budget reflects our commitment to the Benalla Rural City community, ensuring we continue to provide essential services and invest in projects that benefit everyone.”
“Council’s cash position over the term of the Budget and in subsequent financial years remains positive, allowing continued investment to support growth. The financial position will be continually scrutinised for potential savings. Additionally, we will advocate for further external funding opportunities, attract new businesses, facilitate industry expansion, and develop visitor economy prospects,” Cr Hearn said.
The 2025/26 Budget outlines several key initiatives aimed at enhancing the infrastructure and community services in Benalla, including:
- Progress the Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre Redevelopment to improve facilities for indoor sport and activities.
- Implementing the Benalla Destination Management Plan designed to boost tourism and local economy.
- Adoption of the new Benalla Landfill and Resource Recovery Centre Masterplan for future proof planning and development of the site.
- Implement an upgrade to the corporate software to enhance operational efficiency.
- Development of a Benalla Rural City Open Space Strategy to improve and expand public open spaces for community use.
- Implement the Benalla Rural City Municipal Health and Wellbeing Action Plan to promote health and wellbeing among residents.
- Development of a concept plan for the Benalla Station Precinct Plan and CBD Precinct Linkage upgrade to improve connectivity and urban planning.
- Finalise the Benalla Airport Masterplan to guide future developments at the airport.
- Develop the Churchill Recreation Reserve Masterplan to enhance recreational facilities.
- Progress the Benalla Local Development Strategy to support sustainable growth and development.
Major capital projects scheduled for delivery in the budget’s first year include:
- Commence delivery of the Benalla Art Gallery Redevelopment project.
- Allocation of a further $160,000 to playground replacement and fencing projects.
- $4.178 million will be spent on the road network.
- $1 million has been allocated to the Fawkner Drive Precinct Pump Track.
- More than $2 million has been committed to rehabilitation and development works at the Benalla Landfill and Resource Recovery Centre.
- $718,000 has been allocated to drainage remediation and repair work.
“This is a responsible budget that balances community benefit with financial sustainability. It’s about ensuring we meet the needs of today while planning for the future,” Cr Hearn concluded.
Benalla Rural City Council’s forecast result for 2025/26 is a surplus of $3.979 million, with a budgeted adjusted underlying deficit in 2025/26 of $610,000. Rates are set to increase by 3 per cent, in line with the State Government’s Fair Go Rates System.
For more information on the 2025/26 Budget or the Revenue and Rating Plan 2025-2029, visit www.benalla.vic.gov.au/2025-26-budget or contact our Customer Service Centre on 03 5760 2600.
View Benalla Rural City Council’s 2025-2026 Fees and Charges here.