Published on Wednesday, 29 July 2026 at 9:37:42 AM
The Town of Victoria Park has adopted a 2026–27 Budget that keeps the focus on the fundamentals while reducing the proposed rates increase from 5 per cent to 3.5 per cent in recognition of the cost-of-living pressures facing ratepayers.
Mayor Karen Vernon said the Budget reflected Council’s commitment to prudent financial management through investment in essential services and asset renewal while responding to the priorities of our community.
“We know many people in our community are having to make careful decisions about their own spending, and Council has a responsibility to do the same,” Mayor Vernon said.
“Our residents have told us they want us to keep delivering quality outcomes while continuing to look for efficiencies. This Budget responds to that feedback by reducing the rates increase while continuing to invest in the things people value and rely on every day.”
Adopted at a Special Council Meeting on 14 July, the Budget continues to prioritise the roads, parks, facilities and everyday services that matter most to residents and families.
More than $24 million in capital investment includes $10.5 million in new projects and $13.8 million to complete projects already underway.
“Our focus is on renewing and maintaining the infrastructure the Town already owns, while making targeted improvements that ensure local streets, parks and community facilities are safer, more accessible and more enjoyable,” Mayor Vernon said.
Highlights include:
Investing in the facilities residents use most
- Upgrades at Aqualife, including improvements to the grandstand and steam room.
- Planning for the future renewal of Aqualife and Leisurelife.
- Improvements to the Library, Scout hall, Harold Hawthorne
- Community Centre and other public facilities.
- A new Changing Places changeroom at McCallum Park to improve accessibility and inclusion.
Infrastructure that keeps the Town moving
- Road renewal works across the Town, including Sunbury Road, Canterbury Terrace, Taylor Street, Claude Street, Boundary Road and Dane Street.
- Road safety improvements at key locations, including Rutland
- Avenue and several local intersections.
- New pathways in Gascoyne Street, drainage upgrades to help reduce flooding, and new street and sports lighting to improve safety.
Parks and places that bring people together
- Continued restoration of the Kent Street Sandpit Bushland.0
- Upgrades to parks and sporting facilities, including Higgins Park, Carlisle Reserve, Fraser Park, McCallum Park, Rayment Park and Millers Crossing.
- Improvements to playgrounds, irrigation, sporting infrastructure, park furniture and public open spaces across the Town.
The Budget also provides funding for additional capacity, including a manager of asset management, planning and compliance officers, an arborist and a dedicated homelessness officer, supporting the Town’s work to deliver priority outcomes and respond to local needs.
“This is a responsible Budget that strikes an important balance between supporting our community through challenging economic conditions and ensuring Victoria Park remains a vibrant, connected and welcoming place to live, work and visit,” Mayor Vernon said.
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