The proposed Budget, Fees and Charges and Banyule Delivery Plan are now open for your feedback.

After community engagement in early 2026, a number of key changes were made to the proposed Budget and Banyule Delivery Plan.

• An additional $0.363 million was included in the Budget to deliver projects suggested by the community.
• We added the Transform Banyule 2030 Strategy - $39.1 million over 4 years
• We added seven new actions in the Banyule Delivery Plan including:
  • developing a Biodiversity Monitoring Program
  • delivering the Towards Zero Waste Management Plan
  • creating local job and pathway opportunities for people experiencing barriers to work
  • supporting local business growth through events, mentoring and advisory support
  • introducing a digital version of the Banyule Banner
  • embedding inclusive leadership, psychosocial safety and wellbeing practices
  • delivering Council’s advocacy priorities.

Complete the below survey by Monday 8 June to tell us what you think.

The Capital Works and Initiatives Programs are a core part of Council's Budget. They help to keep our roads in good shape, support local community services, and ensure our parks and community facilities are cared for.

Behind the scenes, the Revenue and Rating Plan makes it all possible, setting out council rates, fees and charges - the backbone of how we fund Council services. The Revenue and Rating Plan is not just numbers, but a framework to keep our services running. This year Council is proposing some important changes to the way it raises funds for its services to encourage vibrant shopping areas and housing availability.

From December 2025 to February 2026, we focussed on hearing your views on three important areas:

• the draft Capital Works Program, which includes projects planned for community spaces, roads, parks and facilities
• the draft Initiatives Program, which focusses on activities that support health, wellbeing and sustainability
• proposed changes to the Revenue and Rating Plan, including how Council raises funds for services.

Every year we do this work to build Banyule's Budget, which is key for delivering the Banyule Plan and the Community Vision 2041.

Engagement and Communications Summary

In late 2025 and early 2026, 66 people provided feedback on the draft Capital Works Program, draft Initiatives Program and proposed changes to the Revenue and Rating Plan.

Following a Councillor Feedback Forum on 10 March where 34 community members presented their feedback to councillors, community feedback was considered for the proposed Budget, Fees and Charges and Banyule Delivery Plan.

To find out more about what we did and who we heard from, take a look at this Engagement and Communications Summary.

Banyule Plan 2025-29

The Banyule Plan 2025-29 is Banyule Council's big plan. It explains what Council wants to do over the next four years and what’s most important for the community. The Plan includes the Community Vision 2041, and shows how Council will work with individuals, groups and other partners to bring the Vision to life. It helps Council focus on what matters most and check if things are going well.

Council's Key Initiatives

Since being elected, the Mayor and councillors have been combining what the community told us with ongoing feedback and projects already underway. The entire Banyule Plan aims to respond to this as well as 7 key initiatives that show Council's focus over the next four years.

Banyule Delivery Plan

The Banyule Delivery Plan 2025-2029 explains what Council will do over the next four years to deliver, including projects and services and the big themes in the Community Vision 2041. It also includes priorities from the Banyule Community ThinkTank and connects with other important plans and policies. It focuses on health and wellbeing, and shows how Banyule will take action on climate change.

Health and Wellbeing Plan

The Health and Wellbeing Plan is about keeping our community healthy and happy. It sets out the main goals and priorities to improve health and wellbeing in Banyule.

This plan is part of the bigger Banyule Plan 2025–29, so health and wellbeing are included in everything Council does. It also follows important laws like the Gender Equality Act 2020 and the Climate Change Act 2017.

The plan was created using real data and feedback from the community. It focuses on five key priorities to help the council and its partners take action that makes life better for everyone.

The proposed Capital Works Program and Initiatives Program have been incorporated into Section 5 of the proposed Budget.

Building on community feedback, these programs focus on the renewal and upgrade of existing assets, while prioritising the delivery of essential projects. This includes critical infrastructure and community assets such as roads, buildings, drainage, footpaths, parks, community facilities, and other infrastructure that residents use every day.

The rate cap announced by the Minister for Local Government in December 2025 has also impacted the level of funding available for these programs in 2026/27. As a result, Council is required to make careful and balanced decisions regarding project prioritisation and delivery. Community feedback received on the draft Programs has helped inform these decisions.

The Revenue and Rating Plan 2026-2030 was adopted by Council on Monday 25 May 2026. To watch a recording of the Council Meeting, go to Council's website.

What is the Revenue and Rating Plan?

The Revenue and Rating Plan outlines how Council raises funds to deliver the Budget, the Banyule Plan and the Community Vision 2041. It covers:

• how income is generated through rates
• service charges for things like waste and recycling
• fees for programs and services
• contributions from developers
• revenue from Council-owned assets
• grants from State and Federal Governments.

This Revenue and Rating Plan is the foundation for funding the services and projects that keep our community thriving.

What are the proposed changes for 2026?

Council is considering updating its differential rating system — the way different types of properties are charged rates — to make it simpler, fairer and more aligned with how land is being used across Banyule.

Under Victorian legislation, councils can use differentials to set different rate levels for different property categories (such as residential, business, and vacant land). This doesn’t change how much total rates Council collects (as total rates are capped by the State Government), but it does change how the overall rates are apportioned between property types.

Why update the system?

Council is exploring these changes to:

1. Simplify the property categories

The current system is complex. A simpler structure is easier for the people to understand and for Council to administer.

2. Better impact and equity

Different types of land place different demands on infrastructure, services and the local environment. Updating the differentials means the contribution from each property type more accurately reflects:

• how the land is used
• the benefits received
• the impact on the community and infrastructure

3. Encourage the use of vacant or unoccupied premises

Council wants to reduce long‑term vacant or under‑utilised premises, which can stall neighbourhood vibrancy and local economic activity.

Higher differentials for vacant or unoccupied properties aim to:

• encourage development of unused land
• support local housing and business activity
• avoid properties sitting idle for long periods

This reflects a 'put properties to work' principle: active, occupied land strengthens Banyule’s neighbourhoods, economy and safety.

What could the proposed differentials look like?