Whitehorse Council 2026/2027 Budget: $194M Services, 2.75% Rise

Whitehorse City Council has set its 2026/2027 Annual Council Budget with a 2.75 per cent rate rise that allocates $194 million to services and $85 million to capital works. The figures appear in the Sparks Ward update released by the council. These amounts form the core of the financial plan that residents will see reflected in rates notices and project timelines over the coming year.

Budget Allocations in Detail

The $194 million service allocation covers day-to-day operations while the $85 million capital works portion funds infrastructure improvements. The budget document confirms the council will maintain existing service levels without additional rate increases beyond the stated 2.75 per cent. Whitehorse City Council has also confirmed continued operation of its Customer Service Centre at Box Hill Town Hall, ensuring residents retain a central point for payments, enquiries and permit processing.

Facility Reopening and Upgrade Timeline

Box Hill City Oval reopened on May 16, 2026, after works that included a new playing surface, a synthetic exercise track and upgraded pavilions. The West Pavilion remains scheduled for completion in mid-2027. These dates give residents concrete expectations for when full facilities will return to use following the upgrade program.

Land Rehabilitation and Rail Loop Process

Council continues to advocate for rehabilitation of the 7ha former Box Hill Brickworks site as community open space. The same council update notes that the Suburban Rail Loop Panel Report remains pending, which will influence planning decisions around the site. The 7ha measurement and the open-space goal appear directly in the council materials.

Cultural Centre Feasibility Work

The proposed Chinese Community and Cultural Centre in Box Hill remains in early planning stages. A feasibility study is expected to examine site options and long-term financial sustainability before any further commitments. The study scope is outlined in the same ward update that details the budget figures.

Residents can review the full budget documents and project pages on the Whitehorse City Council website for exact rate calculations and updated timelines. The council has not announced additional public consultation dates beyond the release of the Suburban Rail Loop Panel Report and the cultural centre feasibility study.