East Gippsland Shire Council is inviting community feedback on its Draft Budget 2025/26, Council Plan 2025–2029, Long-Term Financial Plan, Asset Plan and Revenue and Rating Plan, now on public exhibition.

This year’s Draft Budget limits the general rate rise to 2.0% – a full percentage point below the Victorian Government’s 3.0% rate cap and less than inflation.

Mayor Cr John White said this decision was made in direct response to rising cost-of-living pressures facing residents and businesses across the region.

“We’ve taken a financially responsible approach that puts our community first. By holding the rate rise below the cap, we’re easing the pressure on households while continuing to deliver the services people rely on,” John said.

The Council Plan and Budget reflect strong community input. Nearly 1,000 people provided feedback earlier this year to the Budget, helping shape priorities for the year ahead.

“We heard clearly that residents want practical improvements – better roads and footpaths, cleaner public toilets, and infrastructure. These things are all addressed in this budget,” John said.

New projects in 2025/26 include investment in road reseals, drainage upgrades and waste transfer infrastructure, while major capital projects already underway – such as the WORLD Sporting Precinct in Bairnsdale and Slip Road Maritime Precinct in Paynesville – will continue to be delivered.

“The Council Plan is our roadmap for the next four years, detailing what we aim to achieve, how we plan to do it, and how we will measure our success,” John said. “To inform the development of our Council Plan, we undertook significant community engagement with input from over 4,000 people - one of East Gippsland's most extensive community engagement programs.

The new Council Plan has four strategic themes: community wellbeing and social responsibility, prosperity, making the most of what we’ve got, and managing Council well - all aligned with the Community Vision.

“The Council Plan also includes the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan, which guides our efforts in maintaining and improving the health and wellbeing of our community,” John said.

In addition to the Budget and Council Plan, Council is also seeking feedback on three key strategic documents:

• The Long-Term Financial Plan, which guides Council’s financial decision-making over the next decade.

• The Asset Plan, which outlines how Council will manage and maintain more than $1 billion in assets.

• The Four-Year Revenue and Rating Plan, which explains how revenue is raised to fund services and infrastructure.

“These integrated planning documents work together to ensure Council is well-placed to deliver essential services, maintain financial sustainability and plan responsibly for the future,” John said.

“We encourage all community members to provide feedback on the documents by 21 May. Your input helps ensure these plans reflect the needs, priorities and aspirations of our communities.”

Copies of the draft plans are available via Council's website and at all customer service centres and libraries. Feedback can be provided through our website, by email or mail, or in person at any customer service centre.

To view all documents and provide feedback visit our engagement website.