At the time of writing, not all councils have finalised their upcoming 2026/7 budgets. Many were still in the throes of engaging residents for their ‘ideas’ which would assist in forming the final budget drafts. However, plenty of councils have already published their budget proposals.

We have concentrated on the proposed rate increases by these councils. Please remember that our council has decided that the current rate cap of 2.75% is not enough. So they will be arguing before the ESS for a variation of the rate cap that will mean a 5% rate increase for residents.

When we compare what Glen Eira is doing, as opposed to other councils, many questions surface. For starters:

  1. What does this say about Glen Eira’s financial acumen and its responsibility to rate payers?
  2. Why can other councils survive without applying for an increase above the rate cap – including one council that will even go below the current rate cap?
  3. How much money is wasted by our council?

Listed below are all the councils currently advertising their budgets. Please note carefully their intended rate increase!!!!!!

Ararat – 2.25%

Bass coast -2.75%

Bayside – 2.75%

Boroondara – 2.75%

Buloke – 2.75%

Cardinia – 2.75%

Casey – 2.75%

Central Goldfields – 2.75%

Gannawarra – 2.75%

Glenelg – 2.75%

Hobson’s Bay – 2.75%

Kingston – 2.75%

Knox – 2.75%

Latrobe – 2.75%

Maribyrnong – 2.75%

Melbourne 2.75%

Melton – 2.75%

Merri-bek – 2.75%

Moonee Valley – 2.75%

Nillumbik – 2.75%

Port Phillip – 2.75%

Queenscliff – 2.75%

South Gippsland – 2.75%

Stonnington – 2.75%

Surf coast – 2.75%

Warrnambool – 2.75%

Wellington – 2.75%

Wellington – 2.75%

West Wimmera – 2.75%

Whitehorse – 2.75%

Whittlesea – 2.75%

Yarra – 2.75%

Yarra Ranges – 2.75%