Whitehorse Council Budget 2026: Rate Rise, Brickworks Plan

Whitehorse City Council has virtually finalised its 2026/2027 budget, which includes a 2.75 per cent rate rise to support $194 million in services and $85 million in capital works.

Budget sets service and works funding

The budget allocation provides the financial base for ongoing operations while directing capital spending toward local infrastructure. Residents will see the rate impact from July 2026, with the council maintaining existing service levels across the municipality.

Push for full Box Hill Brickworks open space

Council continues to advocate for the State Government to acquire and rehabilitate the entire 7ha Box Hill Brickworks site as open space. This position stands against a planning panel recommendation that would set aside only 5 per cent of the site for public use. The outcome will shape future recreation options in the Box Hill area.

Rail loop report and cultural centre progress

Whitehorse Council is awaiting the public release of the Suburban Rail Loop Panel Report to inform planning around the Box Hill underground station precinct. At the same time, the council is advancing early stages of a proposed Chinese Community and Cultural Centre in Box Hill, which requires State and Federal support for a feasibility study on site options and financial sustainability.

The council has also confirmed it will keep the Box Hill Customer Service Centre at Box Hill Town Hall open Monday to Friday from 9am to 1pm to maintain community access.

What happens next

Key decisions ahead rest with the State Government on the Brickworks acquisition and the release of the rail loop panel report. The cultural centre proposal will move forward once funding for the feasibility study is secured. Council meetings in coming months will provide updates on these items as they develop.