Tom Ingleton
Whittlesea ratepayers are facing an on average three per cent rate rise as the council juggles the governing a rapidly growing municipality.
Whittlesea ratepayers are facing a three per cent rate rise, as the city’s 2025-26 budget draft is released for public consultation.
Council endorsed the documents to go out for consultation at the April 15 council meeting, once consultation is complete they will come back for final endorsement in July, opening the documents for public exhibition and feedback until Sunday, May 4.
Councillor Lawrie Cox encouraged the community to take an active role in the process.
“It’s not a case of addressing us in a formal manner,” Cr Cox said.
“We, as councillors, are charged with financial management responsibility– it’s a task we take very seriously, and the consultation phase is very important to the public as well.”
Residents can also expect a sharp rise in waste charges, driven by a 28 per cent increase in the state landfill levy and new four-bin requirements.
The average household bill will increase to $409.95, with the full levy now passed on to ratepayers.
Cr Cox acknowledged the concerns of residents struggling with living costs, but pointed to the challenges of governing a rapidly growing municipality.
“There will be a lot of criticism about the rate increase…but the reality is, as a council in a developing area, we need a lot more money. You want more services– we’ve got to fund them, and we can only do that through rates and grants.”
Despite the financial pressures, the council is investing in well-being and social connection, including $18.2 million in community grants over the next decade.
Financial hardship support will continue, with flexible payments, deferrals and partnerships delivering food and material aid.
Mayor Aidan McLindon condemned the state’s replacement of the fire levy with a new Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund, labelling it “dirty money” and warning it could double costs for ratepayers.
“Unfortunately, we are tasked with doing a lot of the dirty work– if we can minimize that, let’s make our voices heard,” Cr McLindon said.
“While you are giving us feedback, now is also the time to give the state government feedback.”
Residents can also expect a sharp rise in waste charges, driven by a 28 per cent increase in the state landfill levy and new four-bin requirements.
The average household bill will increase to $409.95, with the full levy now passed on to ratepayers.
The council will also deliver an $116.6 million capital works program.
The budget will include construction of the Regional Sports Precinct and West Wollert Community Centre; complete construction o f the Murnong community centre in Donnybrook, the Hill Top Splash Park and playground in Doreen and Peter Hopper Lake in Mill Park.
Councillor Laurie Cox acknowledged the concerns of residents struggling with living costs, but pointed to the challenges of governing a rapidly growing municipality.
“There will be a lot of criticism about the rate increase … but the reality is, as a council in a developing area, we need a lot more money,” he said. “You want more services– we’ve got to fund them, and we can only do that through rates and grants.”
Despite the financial pressures, the council is investing in well-being and social connection, including $18.2 million in community grants across the next decade.
Financial hardship support will continue, with flexible payments, deferrals and partnerships delivering food and material aid.
Mayor Aidan McLindon, before he was suspended by the state government, condemned the state’s replacement of the fire levy with a new Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund, labelling it “dirty money” and warning it could double costs for ratepayers.
“Unfortunately, we are tasked with doing a lot of the dirty work– if we can minimise that, let’s make our voices heard,” Cr McLindon said.
“While you are giving us feedback, now is also the time to give the state government feedback.”
Community feedback is open until May 4
Cr Cox said the community had an important role in the budget process.
