A Balanced Budget for All

Published on 28 June 2023

Our 2023/24 Budget will deliver the services you told us were most important with a strong focus on financial sustainability.

Darebin Council’ s Budget 2023 / 24 was adopted at the Council Meeting on 26 June 2023 following two stages of community engagement.

Mayor Cr Julie Williams thanked the community for their feedback and said it gave a clear view of the community’ s priorities during these financially challenging times.

“We recognise we need to strike a balance between delivering the core services that are so important to our community, and safeguarding Darebin’ s financial stability into the future,”Cr. Williams says.

“We know times are tough and it’ s more important than ever that our budget continues to support a vibrant and connected Darebin.”

The 2023 / 24 Budget is community focused, delivering projects and services that are highly valued by residents, businesses and visitors.

We’ re investing more than $110 million in operational services, including:

• $15 million towards open spaces, parks and natural environment services
• $2.4 million towards sustainable transport services
• $15 million towards aged and disability services
• $10.5 million towards facilities and infrastructure management and maintenance
• $3.6 million towards community wellbeing, equity and diversity services
• $10.8 million towards recreation and leisure services
• $24.4 million towards waste management services
• $9 million towards families, youth and children services
• $8.7 million towards creative culture and community facilities services
• $5.7 million towards libraries and learning services
• $5.6 million towards climate emergency and environment services
• $3 million towards economic development services

We’ re also investing $30 million in capital projects, including:

• $950,000 on land and land contamination
• $5.4 million on building renewals
• $1.9 million on plant, machinery and equipment renewals
• $750,000 on library books
• $18.5 million to renew and upgrade key infrastructure including roads, bridges, footpaths and cycleways, drainage, recreational, leisure and community facilities, waste management, parks, open space and streetscapes.

In response to increased economic pressure we have also revised and adopted several supporting financial documents. These are:

• The Council Plan
• The 10 Year Financial Plan
• The Rates and Hardship Policy which sets out how council supports those in need
• The Rating and Revenue Policy which guides how Council sets rates

You can read the full 2023 / 24 Budget and supporting financial documents at: darebin.vic.gov.au/budget.