Share your priorities for our new Budget

Council is about to commence the development of its 2026–27 Budget, and we want to hear from you.

Every year we deliver more than 100 services, including maternal and child health, arts and culture, sport and recreation, waste collection, parks and playgrounds, libraries, community programs and infrastructure. While all services matter, your input helps us understand which areas should be prioritised. Tell us what services and projects you believe deserve more attention and funding in the year ahead.

How does our Budget support services and projects?

Council's Budget outlines how we allocate money from rates and other revenue sources to deliver services and infrastructure that support our community. It brings your priorities to life by funding everything from waste collection and road maintenance to arts and cultural programs. It also ensures the maintenance, upgrade or improvement of Council’s assets and community facilities.

What is projected for the 2026-27 Budget?

  • $18.92 million

    for Families, children and youth services.

  • $3.58 million

    for Economic development and revitalising activity centres.

  • $15.38 million

    for Health, aged and community services.

  • $31.41 million

    for Waste collection, street and public facilities cleaning.

  • $17.70 million

    for Libraries, arts, and cultural services.

  • $33.94 million

    for Buildings, roads, traffic management and drainage maintenance.

  • $27.58 million

    for Parks, community facilities, sport and recreation.

  • $23.85 million

    for Planning, building and regulatory services.

  • $79.53 million

    for Capital works.

What is Council's Capital Works Program?

Each year Council includes money in its budget to plan, program and manage the city's public assets including roads, drains, buildings, parks, open space, playgrounds, footpaths, and bike paths.

The size of this budget depends on Council's funding ability and other responsibilities. Over the next ten years Council has planned to spend over $546 million on maintaining, renewing and building new assets for our community to enjoy.

The new Dandenong Wellbeing Centre represents a major investment in our community’s future. As this important initiative progresses, Council will need to carefully manage its budget, which may mean fewer new projects are introduced between now and 2035.

In 2026-27 we plan to spend $79.53 million on:

  • $40.28 million for Dandenong Wellbeing Centre
  • $32.6 million for renewal (maintaining and replacing assets)
  • $6.65 million for other projects (facility upgrades and expansions)

To read more about the planned future projects please read the Asset Plan 2025-35 (Appendix 4) in the document library.

To see which additional projects are a key priority for Council in 2026-27 and to submit any new ideas please complete the activity below.

How to have your say

  • Complete the community survey and tell us what services matter most to you and what you would prioritise if you were a Councillor.
  • Submit a new idea for a project that you think is important in making our community a great place to live.
  • Share your ideas by email budget@cgd.vic.gov.au or call 8571 1000