This stage of the consultation is closed.

Thanks for telling us your priorities!

It was amazing to hear from over 500 people, both online and in-person, on their priorities for Yarra.

Understanding your priorities will help us develop a responsible Budget which focuses heavily on maintaining financial sustainability, while continuing to deliver services and infrastructure important to the community.

You can find out more about the next stage of consultation including the exhibition of the draft Budget and the introduction of a separate waste services charge by clicking this link.

You can also sign up to Your Say Yarra's monthly email newsletter so you don't miss a chance to have your say.

Learn more about this consultation

Every year we develop an annual Budget that aligns to the Council Plan and works to benefit Yarra's people, places and services.

The Budget includes funding for the environment, waste and recycling collections, roads, parks and infrastructure upgrades, the running of our libraries and leisure centres, support for local businesses and services that support our youngest residents, our oldest and those who may be vulnerable.

We wanted to know your priorities for the next financial year to us deliver on the objectives of our 2021-25 Council Plan and shape our next Budget.

What is Yarra Council's current financial situation?

Like all Councils across Victoria, Yarra is facing significant financial challenges.

We experienced significant losses of more than $50 million as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the decision to provide additional financial support to our community throughout this challenging time.

Rising inflation also presents a risk to Council’s Budget outcomes given the global and local impacts of events over the past three years and uncertainties with the future economic outlook.

In addition to this, we have had to manage the financial challenges associated with:

  • a growing population
  • ageing infrastructure
  • rate capping
  • cost-shifting
  • the need to repay debt and build cash reserves in the short to medium term.