Draft Budget 2026-2027


We have released our Draft Budget for 2026-2027 which identifies $3.2 million in savings to counter low revenue growth, rate capping and rising expenses.

Chief Executive Officer Peter Harriott said drastic action was needed to prevent the Council incurring an ongoing deficit and low cash-based budgets.

“This involves making difficult decisions and reducing services. Insurance costs have risen 20% and materials and construction expenses continue to climb.

“State Government funding has not kept pace with the services we deliver on their behalf, such as school-crossing supervision, libraries and mowing Crown land. For us, as a small rural Council, these pressures have accumulated over time, as we have absorbed cost increases well beyond our control.”

Mayor Cr Ben Green said the new team of Councillors and managers had resolved to “balance the books” and to focus on maintaining and renewing existing assets.

“We are being financially responsible in a challenging operating environment. Compared with last year’s budget, the turnaround required over the next four years is even greater, close to $11 million. This demonstrates the scale of the challenge and the importance of decisive action.”

Initiatives to improve the Council’s financial position include:

  • Reducing labour costs, increasing operational efficiency and prioritising resources to meet community needs
  • Ending the Community Grants Program
  • Selling surplus land
  • Proposed closure of the waste transfer stations at Bealiba, Dunolly and Talbot.

“These decisions will not be easy, but difficult decisions are necessary to restore financial sustainability, renew deteriorating assets, and preserve essential community services,” Mr Harriott said.

Key projects in the coming year include:

  • Maryborough Outdoor Pool stage two
  • Deledio Recreation Reserve Pavilion upgrade
  • The annual road resealing and asphalting program
  • Public convenience upgrades, including automatic toilet locks and BBQ sensors
  • Aerodrome upgrades

FEEDBACK

We encourage you to review the draft documents (which can be found here or in the document library on the right-hand side of this page) prior to leaving feedback.

Submissions on the Draft Budget 2026-2027 can be:

  • Submitted via the online form below
  • Emailed to mail@cgoldshire.vic.gov.au
  • Delivered in person to our Customer Service team, 22 Nolan Street, Maryborough.

To ensure your submission is valid, please include your name, postal address, email address (if submitting online) and a contact phone number.

You are invited to attend a Special Budget Hearing on Wednesday 29 April, 6pm and speak to your submission.

Please indicate on the web form or in your written submission if you would like to speak.

The final budget will be considered for adoption at the Wednesday 27 May Council Meeting.


We have released our Draft Budget for 2026-2027 which identifies $3.2 million in savings to counter low revenue growth, rate capping and rising expenses.

Chief Executive Officer Peter Harriott said drastic action was needed to prevent the Council incurring an ongoing deficit and low cash-based budgets.

“This involves making difficult decisions and reducing services. Insurance costs have risen 20% and materials and construction expenses continue to climb.

“State Government funding has not kept pace with the services we deliver on their behalf, such as school-crossing supervision, libraries and mowing Crown land. For us, as a small rural Council, these pressures have accumulated over time, as we have absorbed cost increases well beyond our control.”

Mayor Cr Ben Green said the new team of Councillors and managers had resolved to “balance the books” and to focus on maintaining and renewing existing assets.

“We are being financially responsible in a challenging operating environment. Compared with last year’s budget, the turnaround required over the next four years is even greater, close to $11 million. This demonstrates the scale of the challenge and the importance of decisive action.”

Initiatives to improve the Council’s financial position include:

  • Reducing labour costs, increasing operational efficiency and prioritising resources to meet community needs
  • Ending the Community Grants Program
  • Selling surplus land
  • Proposed closure of the waste transfer stations at Bealiba, Dunolly and Talbot.

“These decisions will not be easy, but difficult decisions are necessary to restore financial sustainability, renew deteriorating assets, and preserve essential community services,” Mr Harriott said.

Key projects in the coming year include:

  • Maryborough Outdoor Pool stage two
  • Deledio Recreation Reserve Pavilion upgrade
  • The annual road resealing and asphalting program
  • Public convenience upgrades, including automatic toilet locks and BBQ sensors
  • Aerodrome upgrades

FEEDBACK

We encourage you to review the draft documents (which can be found here or in the document library on the right-hand side of this page) prior to leaving feedback.

Submissions on the Draft Budget 2026-2027 can be:

  • Submitted via the online form below
  • Emailed to mail@cgoldshire.vic.gov.au
  • Delivered in person to our Customer Service team, 22 Nolan Street, Maryborough.

To ensure your submission is valid, please include your name, postal address, email address (if submitting online) and a contact phone number.

You are invited to attend a Special Budget Hearing on Wednesday 29 April, 6pm and speak to your submission.

Please indicate on the web form or in your written submission if you would like to speak.

The final budget will be considered for adoption at the Wednesday 27 May Council Meeting.

Page last updated: 26 Mar 2026, 12:41 PM