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Whitehorse Council Reveals 2.75% Rate Rise in 2026/2027 Budget
The nearly finalised 2026/2027 budget sets out specific allocations for services and capital works alongside ongoing site and project commitments.
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How we reported this
Whitehorse City Council has virtually finalised its 2026/2027 annual budget with a 2.75 per cent rate rise and no borrowings. The plan allocates $194 million for services and $85 million for capital works.
Budget Allocations in Detail
These figures form the core of the council's financial planning for the coming year. The absence of borrowings means all spending will rely on existing revenue sources and the approved rate adjustment. Council documents tie the allocations directly to service delivery and infrastructure projects within the municipality.
Box Hill Brickworks Site Position
The council continues to advocate for the State Government to acquire and rehabilitate the full 7ha Box Hill Brickworks site as open space. This stance opposes a planning panel recommendation that would set aside only 5 per cent of the site for public open space. The 7ha figure and the 5 per cent alternative appear in council updates on the matter.
Service Centre and Cultural Centre Commitments
Council has confirmed it will keep the Box Hill Customer Service Centre at Box Hill Town Hall open. Separately, the proposed Chinese Community and Cultural Centre remains in early planning stages, with the council seeking State and Federal government support for a feasibility study covering site options and financial sustainability. These positions are stated in recent council communications.
Council is also awaiting the public release of the Suburban Rail Loop Panel Report while addressing construction impacts from the underground station project in Box Hill. No further timelines or specific outcomes are confirmed in current documents. Residents can review the full budget details on the Whitehorse City Council website once released.