Community feedback sought on Draft Budget for 2026-27
Published on 23 April 2026
Some exciting new major projects and community assets are at the forefront of a financially responsible Draft Budget with an operational spend of $127.5 million, which is now open for community feedback until 14 May 2026.
Baw Baw Shire Council will invest approximately $50.9 million into infrastructure in Baw Baw over the next 12 months, which includes more than $18 million to continue delivering some large, community-wide projects and upgrades.
The Longwarry Pavilion replacement will continue in the new financial year, which will see a new modern pavilion with changerooms, amenities, and social and canteen spaces for football and netball. Council have committed $2 million during 2026/27 to continue this valuable community project.
Additionally, Council will finalise construction of the Western Park Oval 2 Pavilion in Warragul – a $1.46 million investment from Council towards this new facility for our sporting community.
Local roads will frontline investments for the following year, with Council pouring more than $9 million into upgrading and reconstructing local roads such as Bertram Street, Drouin, Darnum-Shady Creek Road, Darnum, and Normanby Street, Warragul.
Baw Baw Shire Mayor Cr Kate Wilson said Council had planned an exciting lineup of projects, upgrades and investments for the following year, but also wanted to assure residents that Council is particularly mindful of introducing a budget that balances rising costs and inflation, with a focus on long-term stability.
“Developing and managing our annual budget is one of the biggest responsibilities that Council undertakes, and it is not a role that we take lightly,” she said.
“We’re really looking forward to seeing the shovels hit the ground for a number of beneficial community projects, but we’re equally mindful of the situation that we find ourselves in at the moment, where costs are rising beyond anything we have seen in a very long time.
“Council needs strong fiscal discipline, and we’ve done exactly what our community would expect, which is to get our house in order, while also ensuring we continue to deliver a suite of projects that will ensure Baw Baw is a place that our people love to live.”
Cr Wilson added that the community engagement stage of the Draft Budget is vitally important to Council, as it helps ensure that residents are also driving what Council prioritises.
“I know that many of our community members are passionate about our Shire, so I’d like to see as many people as possible give us their feedback over the next three weeks,” she said.
For those experiencing financial hardship, support is available. Council’s Hardship Policy provides support to ratepayers experiencing financial hardship by allowing for the deferment or waiver of rates and interest under specific conditions.
The time to have your say on the proposed budget is now, so visit Baw Baw Connect today and have your say, your way.
The Draft Long-Term Infrastructure Plan and Draft Financial Plan 2026/27 – 2035/36, as well as the Draft Revised Revenue and Rating Plan 2025/26 - 2028/29 are also live for feedback.
Visit: www.bawbawconnect.com.au/budget-26-27