Council recently consulted the community on a previous version of the Draft Budget, which included a waste service charge. The charge proposed to introduce an additional charge for the weekly bin collection.

However, after listening to community feedback and considering more than 1000 submissions, Council decided to prepare an alternate Draft Budget, without a waste service charge, for community consultation. 

The alternate Draft Budget still funds vital Council services and infrastructure improvements as well as our significant community grants program for 2017-18.

Council is seeking community feedback on the alternate Draft Budget from Friday 9 June - 5pm on Tuesday 11 July 2017.

View the alternate Draft Budget and FAQs

To view the alternate Draft Budget, frequently asked questions and to have your say online.

Council’s Future Financial Position

The removal of the proposed waste service charge from the original Draft Budget will not impact service or program levels in 2017-18. However it will require Council to look at ways to improve its financial sustainability for 2018-19 and beyond.
Some difficult choices will be required in the future. Council will be reviewing its services, service levels and spending on infrastructure. We are also planning to identify $500,000 in efficiency savings for each of the next 10 years.We will continue to keep our community informed and involved in key decisions about the future.

Highlights of the alternate Draft Budget 2017-18

• $173m total operating expenditure budget
• $30m for capital works (infrastructure) projects and other new initiatives
• $2m for community grants
• 2% increase in general rates (in line with the State Government’s rate cap)
• 2% increase in the rate rebate for pensioners.

The alternate Draft Budget continues to support vital services as well new initiatives in 2017/18, including:

• $500,000 to extend the separated bike lane in Wellington Street, Collingwood
• $450,000 for a new park at the corner of Charles and Mollison streets in Abbotsford
• $240,000 to improve the Victoria Street streetscape in Richmond
• $102,000 for a marker honouring members of the Stolen Generations
• $100,000 to support the Cubbies Adventure Playground.

Information Sessions

Learn more about what is being proposed and ask questions of Yarra's Mayor, CEO and senior staff at one of our information sessions:

• Session 1: Saturday 24 June, 2pm-3pm, Bargoonga Nganjin, North Fitzroy Library (182 St Georges Road, North Fitzroy)
• Session 2: Wednesday 5 July, 6pm-7pm, Collingwood Town Hall (140 Hoddle Street, Abbotsford)

Make a submission

• Online: http://www.yoursayyarra.com.au/budget-2017
• Email: [email protected]
• Post: Yarra City Council, Your Say Yarra Consultation, PO Box 168, Richmond VIC 3121
  Submissions must be received by no later than 5pm on Tuesday 11 July.

Frequently Asked Questions

View some frequently asked questions about the Draft Budget process. 

Speak to your submission

If you state in your submission that you wish to speak in support of it (or have someone else speak on your behalf) you will be given that opportunity at a Council Meeting to be held at 6.30 pm on Wednesday 19 July at Richmond Town Hall.

Final adoption

Council is expected to adopt a Draft Budget, Long Term Financial Plan and Council Plan – with or without changes – at an Ordinary Council Meeting at 7pm on Tuesday 1 August at Richmond Town Hall.