2025-2026 Budget Development

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Every year, Council prepares an annual budget that shows what income we expect to receive and how we expect to allocate that money on the delivery of services throughout the year. The budget document also highlights the key initiatives Council will deliver to our community in that same year.

What is different this year?

This year Council is undertaking an extensive community engagement process to develop the next Council Plan (2025-2029). During the 6 week engagement period during February and March, we will talk to our community from across the Shire to understand what you value and talk to you about your ideas for our Shire and your community. So this year for our 2025/26 Budget engagement we are focusing on understanding what services are important to you.

Tell us what services are important to you and the community

Have Your Say and join the conversation by completing the survey. Share what services are most important to you and your family. It could be childcare, libraries, waste services, road maintenance, arts and culture, sporting facilities or public amenities. Your input will help us to prioritise our service delivery into the future.

Hard copy surveys are available at any of our Council Customer Service locations

Due to the change of dates for the Nelson, Dartmoor and Casterton community sessions the survey will close at 5pm on Friday 28 February (previously 21 February). Hard copy surveys must be received by this date.

How we spend $100

The graphic shows the breakdown of how every $100 of rates is allocated across the services our community relies on every day.

Where does the money come from?

Explore the different revenue sources that enable Council to deliver essential services and invest in vital infrastructure.




Every year, Council prepares an annual budget that shows what income we expect to receive and how we expect to allocate that money on the delivery of services throughout the year. The budget document also highlights the key initiatives Council will deliver to our community in that same year.

What is different this year?

This year Council is undertaking an extensive community engagement process to develop the next Council Plan (2025-2029). During the 6 week engagement period during February and March, we will talk to our community from across the Shire to understand what you value and talk to you about your ideas for our Shire and your community. So this year for our 2025/26 Budget engagement we are focusing on understanding what services are important to you.

Tell us what services are important to you and the community

Have Your Say and join the conversation by completing the survey. Share what services are most important to you and your family. It could be childcare, libraries, waste services, road maintenance, arts and culture, sporting facilities or public amenities. Your input will help us to prioritise our service delivery into the future.

Hard copy surveys are available at any of our Council Customer Service locations

Due to the change of dates for the Nelson, Dartmoor and Casterton community sessions the survey will close at 5pm on Friday 28 February (previously 21 February). Hard copy surveys must be received by this date.

How we spend $100

The graphic shows the breakdown of how every $100 of rates is allocated across the services our community relies on every day.

Where does the money come from?

Explore the different revenue sources that enable Council to deliver essential services and invest in vital infrastructure.




  • NEW DATES for community sessions

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    Due to extreme heat forecast for this Wednesday the Nelson, Dartmoor and Casterton sessions have been rescheduled.

    Drop in sessions have been rescheduled to the below dates and times for the public to meet and discuss service delivery with Council staff and Councillors.

    • NELSON Thursday 27 February, 11am to 12pm, CFA Shed, Nth Nelson Rd
    • DARTMOOR Thursday 27 February, 2pm to 3pm, Dartmoor Memorial Hall
    • CASTERTON Thursday 27 February, 6.00pm - 7.00pm, Casterton Town Hall, Henty Street

    These sessions will be run in conjunction with the Council Plan engagement sessions.