2026-2027 Draft Budget Summary
Published on 15 April 2026
Your councillors have worked diligently to develop the Borough of Queenscliffe’s 2026-27 Draft Budget, it will be discussed at the April Ordinary Meeting of Council. Below is a snapshot of the document, and the thinking behind its development.
Draft Budget 2026–27: balancing services and spending
This Draft Budget has been prepared using the best information available at the time. As it is still a working document, Council will continue to monitor key cost pressures, particularly fuel, construction and supply chain impacts, and make adjustments if needed before the Budget is finalised or through quarterly reviews.
The Draft Budget has been carefully tested against key risks. Even if inflation remains well above expectations, Council’s contingency provisions, discretionary funding allocations and healthy reserves provide a sound buffer against short‑term economic shocks.
Council’s Draft Budget sets out how we plan to fund the services and projects our community relies on. Based on the assumptions used, the budget is financially balanced, meaning day-to-day costs are covered by day-to-day income. Council continues to operate with no debt and keeps healthy reserves to help manage unexpected cost pressures in a changing economic environment.
After setting aside one-off items and waste services, Council expects a small underlying surplus. In simple terms, this shows we’re living within our means and keeping the budget sustainable over time.
Where the money comes from
Income that supports our everyday services (excluding waste management charges) is projected to be $12.50 million. This is a 1.2% increase compared with the 2025–26 forecast, when adjusted for Financial Assistance Grant timing.
Keeping costs under control
We’re keeping a close eye on costs to deliver value for money and protect the services people use. Recurring operating expenses (excluding waste management) are projected to increase by 2.4% (or $288,000) to $12.4 million, compared with the 2025–26 forecast. This is below the assumed CPI and EBA increases of 3.5%.
Investing in the places we share
Council plans to invest around $5.8 million in capital works during 2026–27. This includes renewing roads, buildings and community facilities, as well as progressing priority new projects. Investing in renewing assets helps look after the infrastructure our community already owns and uses every day.
Staying financially healthy
Council meets all the financial sustainability targets set in the Council Plan for 2026–27. Looking ahead, we know there may be pressures on costs and income, so we’ll keep focusing on careful spending, regular budget checks and long-term planning to keep services affordable.
Our focus includes keeping reserve balances at a healthy level to manage short-term economic shocks, looking at sensible investment opportunities within Council’s tourist parks to support future income, and finding efficiencies within the organisation through the planned service review process.
To read the Draft Budget or other financial documents in full, click here.