Share your ideas for the 2026/27 Council Budget
Published on 07 November 2025
Residents are invited to share ideas and complete submissions for the 2026/27 Southern Grampians Shire Council Budget, with responses welcome between Friday 7 November 2025 and Friday 9 January 2026.
Residents are encouraged to get involved early to help Council understand the services that are valued most within our community. Locals can participate in the engagement process by filling out an online submission form, by completing the survey online or using the paper-based option available at the Brown Street Customer Service Centre.
Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Dennis Heslin said this is a great opportunity for residents of all ages to get involved in contributing to the Council budgetary process.
“Council recognises the importance of services in supporting the everyday lives of our residents right across the Southern Grampians,” said Cr Heslin.
“You might be a swimmer in one of our pools, an avid reader borrowing from the library, a new parent being supported by our maternal child health nurses, someone who spends a lot of time in the car on our roads, or you may volunteer with a sporting club using a recreation facility, we want to hear which services you use.”
“The Budget is developed by these community ideas and feedback, submissions from community groups and individuals, as well as Council staff.
“All submissions will be considered and assessed in line with our Council Plan 2025-29, with a draft Budget to be released for community exhibition in May 2026.
“Together, let’s build a budget that reflects the values and priorities of our Southern Grampians community,’ concluded Cr Heslin.
As Council continues to work through the financial year, there are a number of projects supported by the 2025/26 Budget still to be delivered, including some which came from community submissions. These projects will continue to be completed across the remainder of the financial year.
The Lake Hamilton Solar Lighting Project, Nigretta Stairs and Pedrina Park Cricket Nets were all priorities submitted through community engagement for last year’s budget, now contributing to the overall enjoyment and liveability of the region.
The online submission form can be accessed on Council’s website.
Submissions close Friday 9 January 2026. Hard copy forms can be obtained from Council’s Customer Service Centre at 111 Brown Street, Hamilton.
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