Swan Hill Rural City Council has adopted its 2026/27 Budget, reaffirming a commitment to delivering essential services, maintaining critical infrastructure and investing in projects that support the long-term liveability of communities across the municipality.
Council’s Director Corporate Services, Stephen Fernado said the adoption of the Budget followed two phases of community consultation which provided residents with multiple opportunities to make submissions and share feedback.
“We’re pleased to report that the majority of submissions received from the community have been incorporated into either next year’s Budget or Council’s Four-Year Financial Plan,” Mr Fernando said.
Mayor, Stuart King thanked community members who took the time to participate in the process.
“We sincerely thank everyone who contributed to the development of this Budget through initial feedback or submissions,” Mayor King said.
“It’s important that Council not only develops a responsible financial plan but also listens to our community before making decisions. That feedback has helped shape a Budget that reflects local priorities.”
Mayor King said the Budget balances ongoing financial pressures with Council’s responsibility to deliver essential services and invest in the future of the municipality.
“This Budget reflects the realities we are facing as a regional council, while maintaining our commitment to essential services, infrastructure and long-term liveability.”
“We continue to face cost shifting from other levels of government, the rate cap has consistently sat below inflation, and our collective representations – alongside councils across the country- for a meaningful reassessment of Financial Assistance Grants continue to be ignored,” said Mayor King.
Recognising the financial challenges and stress being experienced by a sizeable portion of our community, Council has again chosen not to seek any additional variation to the State Government’s rate cap, instead focusing on efficiencies while continuing to deliver core services.
The 2026/27 Budget includes a $36 million capital works program, investing in roads, drainage, community facilities, recreation infrastructure, public spaces and sustainability initiatives across the municipality.
Major projects include the Karinie Street reconstruction, Swan Hill stormwater upgrades, continued investment in Robinvale drainage and CBD works, riverfront masterplan projects, a new off-leash dog park, and Pental Island developments including the footbridge and cultural tourism project.
The Budget also supports upgrades to sporting and recreation facilities, community amenities, FOGO rollout, and continued investment in local priorities. Some of the projects in the budget are reliant on successful outcomes for grant funding applications.
“Council will continue to actively seek grants for its priority projects and progress long-term priorities, including housing supply, road renewal and critical infrastructure, to support safe, connected and resilient communities,” he said.
The Mayor reiterated that while the project is not something Council can fund directly, “we will continue to advocate for a new Swan Hill bridge as our number one priority.”
View the adopted budget here: https://www.swanhill.vic.gov.au/Home.
