The Budget 2026–27 sets out how Council will fund the delivery of high-quality services and projects for the coming financial year. Endorsed by Council on Monday 22 June 2026, the Budget supports the long-term aspirations of the Whitehorse 2040 Community Vision and delivers on the commitments outlined in the Integrated Council Plan 2025–2029.

Whitehorse Mayor Cr Kirsten Langford said Council had worked hard to ensure the Budget delivers for the community while responding to ongoing economic pressures.

“While we continue to respond to current economic pressures, we're making sure every dollar is directed towards projects and services that have a meaningful impact on our community. Our focus is on investing in the things that make daily life better for residents, because that's where we can create the greatest value for our community.”

Mayor Langford thanked community members who contributed to the development of the Budget.

“We'd like to thank everyone who has shared their thoughts, from participating in the Shaping Whitehorse consultation in 2024 to taking part in community engagement activities during April and May 2026. Your feedback has helped shape the development of this Budget and ensure it reflects the priorities of our community.”

How this budget benefits our community  

• Maintains high-quality services while keeping rates below inflation  
• Reduces the Waste Service Charge by 3%, helping ease cost-of-living pressures
• Provides new open space in accordance with the Whitehorse Open Space Strategy  
• Improves community safety through initiatives including additional street lighting and CCTV
• Increases listening to our community and closing the loop on key council decisions  
• Strengthens business support to local traders and precincts  
• Speeds up road and footpath issue resolution
• Enhances street and neighbourhood amenity through an improved graffiti removal program
• Delivers significant infrastructure projects through successful advocacy  
• Increased investment in renewal of ageing drainage assets

Key investments at a glance

The Budget document includes a detailed breakdown of Council’s budget. We have highlighted a selection of key investments in projects and services in the overview below. These examples show how funding is being invested into initiatives that will be visible in your neighbourhood.

Budget snapshot

• $195.0 million operational budget to deliver services  
• $89.3 million capital works budget  
• Rate increase of 2.75% (in line with the State Government’s rate cap)

Budget highlights include:  

• $27.1 million for bin collections and public waste services
• $17.9 million for the maintenance of sports fields, parks and gardens
• $16.2 million for leisure and recreation services
• $3.0 million for family services and community health

Capital works highlights include:

• $14.2 million to continue the construction of the Box Hill City Oval major redevelopment
• $13.7 million in pavilion upgrades
• $12.0 million provision for land acquisitions
• $3.4 million for footpath renewal program
• $2.9 million for Road Resurfacing Program and $1.5 million for renewal of kerb and channel
• $1.6 million for the renewal and upgrade of playgrounds

The Integrated Council Plan Action Plan 2026/27 identifies 39 actions for delivery in the second year of Council's 4-year roadmap, translating long-term priorities into practical outcomes for the Whitehorse community.

Key initiatives include implementing the Whitehorse Community Safety Plan, upgrading pedestrian and cycling paths to support active transport, establishing a business precinct program for new and emerging trader associations and expanding the municipality's urban forest through indigenous planting projects along the Gardiners Creek Trail.

Council will also continue to strengthen community engagement and transparency by focusing on 'closing the loop' and reporting back on how community feedback informs decision-making. 

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