The Draft Budget and Annual Action Plan 2026-2027 set out how Council funding will be directed to deliver and maintain services and infrastructure for our community's benefit.
The budget is designed to allocate resources towards supporting the vision and objectives of the Council as outlined in the Council Plan.
This Council Plan was developed through collaboration and consultation with our community, informed through existing plans, legislative requirements and strategies. It reflects the key objectives the Council holds for the betterment of its community, through the delivery of key services, advocacy areas and program initiatives.
Council commenced its budget process by engaging with the community from late 2025. Council held a number of listening posts and pop-up stalls at local places and community events to invite public comment and submissions. Residents also provided their views in an online survey.
The Draft Budget and Annual Action plan can be read via the links below:
What we heard
During consultation, Council heard that the community’s priority for Council investment was geared towards investment in safe local roads, pathways and active transport routes and maintaining the infrastructure we already have. Looking after our natural environment and improving open spaces were also a priority. Waste management, aged care (including the Archie Graham Centre), health services, asset management ( including long term maintenance programs) and family services were voted the top 5 Council services.
The Council has marries this feedback with a broad range of strategic plans that comprehensively review services, utilises population trends and adheres to legislative requirements to deliver the best balance of services we can, within the limitation of scarce resources and increased cost of living pressures on our diverse community.
Have your say
- Fill in the survey at the bottom of this page to provide your feedback on the Draft Budget and Annual Action Plan. A hard copy survey can also be filled in at the Civic Centre 25 Liebig Street Warrnambool.
- Make a written submission and email it to [email protected] or post it to PO Box 198, 25 Liebig Street, Warrnambool Victoria 3280. Please add “Draft Budget Submission” to the subject line of your correspondence.
- Drop into the Library Your Say session 11 - 1 pm Wednesday 13 May to view budget documents and provide your comments. If you need assistance, we can help you fill in the online or hard copy survey.
Submitters can be heard by Council at a meeting scheduled for 5pm Monday 25th May 2026 (if required). Please let us know if you would like to speak to your submission at this hearing, by leaving your name, phone number and email address.
If you need assistance to make your submission, please contact Council via telephone 5559 4800 or drop into the Civic Centre where one of our friendly staff can help.
How will your feedback be used?
Your feedback will be considered when finalising the 2026 - 2027 Budget and Annual Action Plan. The final Budget and Annual Action Plan will be presented to Council for endorsement at the 1 June 2026 Scheduled Council Meeting.
Privacy statement
The personal information requested is being collected by Warrnambool City Council for the purpose of verifying the source of feedback for this survey. The personal information will not be disclosed to any other external party unless permitted under the Information Privacy Principles. If you wish to alter any of the personal information you have supplied to Warrnambool City Council, please contact Council via telephone 5559 4800 or email [email protected]
Survey not loading? Use this link to open it in your browser