Council & Business
22 May, 2026
Draft budget out for Pyrenees
Pyrenees Shire Council’s Draft 2026-27 Budget and Ten-Year Financial Plan are now open for public feedback.
Mayor Damian Ferrari urged residents to view the draft budget and financial plan and ask questions of council.
He said the draft budget features a 2.75 percent rate increase in line with the Victorian Government’s rate cap, an operating expenditure of $28 million and capital expenditure of $7 million. Importantly, road, bridge and drainage renewal and upgrades comprise the major component of the capital program.
However, Cr Ferrari said it was important to acknowledge council’s projected costs for 2026-27 will grow higher than revenue.
“The rate cap is set by the Victorian Local Government Minister, but the average forecast inflation is projected to exceed 5 percent, which is well above the 2.75 percent rise,” Cr Ferrari said.
“The Draft 2026-27 Budget substantially reflects the maintenance of current service standards but, this next financial year, council will be reviewing a range of services to determine how they can be managed sustainably where costs are exceeding revenue.
“The extent of our road works also reflects increased costs associated with the projected continuation of the fuel price impacts.”
This year’s budget includes $243,500 in important investments across the shire, including:
• Lexton flood mitigation works
• Memorial projects
• Avoca Recreation Reserve flood mitigation works (part only)
• Community Asset Committee support and delegated works
• Playground renewals
• New or relocated bus shelters (provision)
• Defibrillator maintenance and renewal
Cr Ferrari said the Draft 2026-27 Budget reflects an anticipated increase of three percent in Commonwealth Financial Assistance Grants, with the total amount estimated to be $7.607 million in 2026-27.
“Council and the sector continue to advocate for an increase in Commonwealth direct and untied grants to local government representing a fair share of Commonwealth tax revenue,” he said.
“Council’s long-term sustainability is dependent on significant increases in Commonwealth direct and untied grants.”
Copies of the Draft Budget 2026/27 and other documents are currently available on council’s web page at pyrenees.vic.gov.au/ Residents/Engage
Documents can also be viewed at the Beaufort Shire Office, Beaufort Community Resource Centre, and Avoca Information Centre or by calling 1300 797 363 emailing pyrenees@pyrenees.vic.gov.au.
Submissions must be received before 5 pm on Monday, June 15. Submissions can be made via council’s website, posted to Chief Executive Officer, Pyrenees Shire, 5 Lawrence Street, Beaufort VIC 3373 or via email to pyrenees@ pyrenees.vic.gov.au
Verbal submissions in support of written submissions can also be made at a council meeting on Monday, June 22, council will consider the adoption of the Draft Budget and other documents at a meeting to be held on Monday 29 June 2026.