Adopted by councillors at a meeting on Monday, May 18, the 2026-27 budget has a forecast spend of $1.1 million on economic development — including investment into business, regional tourism and the Seymour Visitor Information Centre.
A key project funded under the economic development banner in the next financial year’s budget is the Hilldene Employment Precinct, which is the industrialisation of farming land on Seymour-Tooborac Rd to create an employment hub.
Across the northern end of the shire, a number of new and existing capital works projects will also see investment.
The renewal of the netball courts at Kings Park in Seymour has been fully funded with $80,000 of council cash.
The project will result in improved surface quality and is set to benefit player safety.
A sum of $1.6 million in borrowings has been allocated to the second and third stages of the Seymour Community Wellbeing Hub, a two-storey development with a total cost of $17 million, which will replace the current customer and library service centre.
Funding for projects carried from the previous financial year include $16,000 of council cash for the Chittick Park Band Hall amenities plan design, $4.8 million in grants and borrowings for continued construction of the wellbeing hub, and $1.5 million in borrowings for the Hilldene Industrial Estate intersection construction.
A figure of $794,000 in council cash has also been allocated to the Seymour-Pyalong Rd and Sugarloaf Creek Rd intersection and $197,000 in grant funding and council cash for the Chittick Park dog-friendly space.
Mitchell Shire Mayor John Dougall said the budget reflected both the immediate needs of the community and the long-term planning required in one of the state’s fastest growing municipalities.
“This budget delivers practical investment in the infrastructure, services and facilities our community relies on every day while continuing to plan responsibly for Mitchell’s future growth,” Cr Dougall said.
“We know roads, footpaths, recreation facilities and access to local services remain key priorities for our community and this budget responds directly to that feedback.
“Council has worked hard to balance the growing demands placed on local government while continuing to invest in projects that improve safety, liveability and community wellbeing across the shire.
“Importantly, this budget keeps us focused on delivering essential infrastructure and maintaining financial sustainability while advocating strongly for additional investment from other levels of government.”
Across the shire, the budget also invests $16.95 million into roads and bridges, which is in addition to annual maintenance funding, $1.26 million to extend and renew footpaths and cycleways and $2.21 million for recreation, leisure and community facilities.
The full budget can be accessed via the meetings page on council’s website at mitchellshire.vic.gov.au/council/council-meetings/council-meetings/agendas-and-minutes
For more information, phone council on 5734 6200.
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