Wodonga Council will seek community feedback on its Draft Budget 2026-2027, which was presented to councillors at the Finance and Budget Delegated Committee on Monday, May 18, 2026.
Wodonga’s Mayor Cr Michael Gobel said that this year’s budget is shaped by continued economic pressures and balances the immediate needs of the community with the long-term development that is essential to support Wodonga’s growth.
The 2026-2027 document was developed using a 2.38 per cent rate assumption, which sits 0.37 per cent below the rate cap, as resolved in the council’s February FBDC meeting.
“We recognise the impact that the current economic climate and cost-of-living pressures are having on our community,” Cr Gobel revealed.
“This was a guiding principle in our decision not to adopt the full rate cap set by the Minister for Local Government, prioritising our residents without compromising on essential delivery,” he said.
Through careful planning and significant savings achieved in the past two financial years, the council is in a strong position to enhance community facilities, invest in infrastructure and deliver on the services that meet the evolving needs of Wodonga residents.
The budget enables one of Wodonga’s largest capital works programs for the community at $37.49 million.
It features the redevelopment of the Senior Citizens Centre, Kelly Park pavilion construction, substantial investment in roads, footpaths and bridge renewals, targeted funding for Wodonga’s youth, and further advancement of Logic Industrial Estate.
“This program thoughtfully balances the needs of the entire community – from our children and families to our seniors, and we are in a strong position to prioritise the high-quality infrastructure and services our growing city needs to thrive,” Cr Gobel said.
Wodonga is experiencing the strongest growth in net migration in regional Australia and is emerging as one of the fastest growing regional cities in Victoria, demonstrating the importance of coordinated investment and planning for the future.
As a result, a key focus of the budget is forward planning, which, for the first time, sees considerable investment directed toward design and preparation work for future capital projects.
“Our city is flourishing and this budget offers a strong pathway forward in planning for the future as people continue to choose Wodonga,” Cr Gobel concluded.
* In endorsing the draft budget for public exhibition, the majority of councillors moved an amended motion that will see funding for the review of the Sustainability Strategy reallocated to the broader budget envelope, with the capacity to be made available as required by a specific resolution of council.