Published on Wednesday, 9 July 2025 at 4:22:19 PM
Victoria Park council has approved a balanced, fiscally responsible budget for the 2025-26 financial year, with a rate rise of 4%.
Mayor Karen Vernon said the new budget accounts for the significant capital works projects happening across Victoria Park, while also considering cost-of-living pressures.
“What I hear from residents is they are excited about the future of our Town.”
“2025-26 will see the culmination of two of the most significant projects in Victoria Park’s history. In just a few months McCallum Park Active Area officially opens, and later this year works will be completed on the Elizabeth Baillie Precinct.
“However, it’s not just about delivering big projects. We know that cost-of-living pressures are real for our residents”.
“With that in mind, Council decided to reduce the advertised rate rise from 5% to 4%, in response to feedback from the community.”
“We want to ensure our Town has access to the necessary services and facilities, with as minimal a rate rise as feasible, due to the pressures of the current economy.”
This year’s budget includes the roll-out of the Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) three-bin waste system. The Town is also upgrading its bulk rubbish collection by implementing Verge Valet, a new pre-booked verge collection service.
2025-26 will also see upgrades to beloved community hubs such as Parnham Park and the John Macmillan playground.
The budget provides renewals for critical infrastructure such as Aqualife and the Administration Building, plus necessary road and transportation improvements across the Town, including the Archer Mint Streetscape and the Albany Highway and State Street intersection upgrades.
This year’s 4% rise will fund the Town’s core operational costs and capital works program. The average rate change over the past five years equates to a 4.46% increase per annum.
In real terms, the average residential ratepayer will pay approximately $87 more in 2025 compared to 2024.
ENDS.
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