The draft Budget 2023/24 sets a financially responsible path forward for the organisation to continue to deliver critical investment in services, programs and key infrastructure to support our rapidly growing community.

Council is proposing to invest $295 million to continue to deliver 147 operating services to our community including kerbside waste collection, home support services, maternal and child health and managing and maintaining Council's parks and open space assets such as parks, playgrounds and sports fields. A key focus is on ensuring people of all ages across our community have access to programs, activities and services that will enhance their health and wellbeing and ensure the City of Whittlesea continues to be a connected and vibrant community into the future.

This Budget proposes Council continue to subsidise waste charges by 22.4% at a cost of $6.7 million, specifically the State Government Landfill Levy in recognition of the current economic climate and increasing cost of living pressures being experienced by our community.

Our average rates in 2023-24 are proposed to increase by 3.5%, in line with the rate cap set by the Victorian Government under the Fair Go Rating system and will ensure Council is able to continue to provide the range of essential services, programs and infrastructure investment that will keep our municipality connected and well supported as we continue to grow.