Residents of Greater Bendigo can help shape the city's 2027-2028 budget by completing a survey on the Let's Talk Greater Bendigo website. The budget funds more than 60 essential services, including bin collections, park maintenance, early learning centres and arts venues such as Ulumbarra Theatre. Mayor Thomas Prince said community feedback plays an important role in council's decisions on services and infrastructure. Feedback can be provided until Tuesday 10 November.
Moreton Bay Council plans to spend $62 million on local road maintenance this financial year. The funding will cover almost 100 resurfacing projects and 32 rehabilitation projects across roads of almost 4000 kilometres. Mayor Peter Flannery said the work will help roads withstand growing traffic and severe weather. The council is also using recycled asphalt, crumbed rubber and recycled plastic. A recent trial project at Kremzow Road in Brendale used bio-binder asphalt that can cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 60 per cent.
Surf Coast Shire Council has started resurfacing Fischer Street in central Torquay, between Beach Road and Zeally Bay Road, alongside Taylor Park. Councillor Phoebe Crockett said the work is funded through the council's 2026-27 asset renewal budget and aims to improve ageing roads. Traffic detours will stay in place until the works finish in December. Sections of Pearl Street, Bristol Road, Cliff Street, Walker Street and Boston Road will also be resurfaced this financial year. The works represent a $755,000 investment.
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Mandurah council has voted to install number plate recognition cameras and extra CCTV, with the plate recognition vote passing 8-3. The council agreed at its September 22 meeting to shift about $100,000 in its budget toward the two projects, each expected to cost about $72,000. A state grant of $40,686 will help fund the plate recognition cameras, which will go on Mandurah Bridge and Mandurah Terrace. Opponents argued that the cameras were a state government responsibility. Supporters said the technology helps respond to antisocial behaviour and break-ins at Lakelands Park.
Council is facing a $62 million bill to upgrade the Tomakin Sewerage Treatment Plant, a report to council has revealed. A further $12 million is needed to divert wastewater from Batemans Bay to Tomakin, and $5 million to optimise the Batemans Bay plant. The Batemans Bay plant is at capacity, so Tomakin has been taking the excess waste. Council says its long-term strategy relies on upgrading Tomakin to increase regional capacity, with the work to proceed alongside the diversion and the Batemans Bay upgrade.
The Town of Cambridge spent almost $180,000 removing a 31-tonne humpback whale that washed up on City Beach in Perth. Mayor Gary Mack said specialist cranes, operators and a sealed truck added unexpected costs. The carcass was taken to Red Hill landfill on October 1. A motion calling on the state government to fund future carcass removals is set for October 27. A state government spokesperson said removal costs fall to the local government that owns the land.
Bass Coast Shire Council is facing financial strain from coastal erosion spending, which contributed to a $14.2 million expenditure blowout. Councillor Tim O’Brien has lodged a Notice of Motion seeking an immediate briefing from DEECA on proposed works at Silverleaves, including an offshore artificial reef. Residents have raised concerns about visual amenity, boating hazards, and who would pay to remove the reef if it fails. A report is due at the December 9, 2026 council meeting.
Yass Valley Council will hold six weeks of community consultation on a possible rate rise of up to 76.55 per cent. An independent review found the council needs an extra $8.3 million a year by 2027/28. Mayor Jasmin Jones said the council had taken steps to improve its position and that it was time to examine what a special rate variation could look like. Councillors Alvaro Charry, Fleur Flanery and Adrian Cameron opposed the move, while five councillors voted to proceed. The council has not yet decided whether to apply for a special rate variation.
Leeton residents are being urged to speak out against a proposed rate increase of up to 54 per cent, four years after a similar rise was voted down. The council is considering three options that would lift general rates revenue by between 44.2 and 53.8 per cent over two years, on top of standard annual increases. The council says an independent review found its general fund is not financially sustainable. A community meeting is set for 6 pm on Monday 19 October at Cypress Street Hall, where residents can question the mayor and general manager.
Cook Shire Council spent $68.7 million repairing natural disaster damage in 2025–26, mostly to roads hit by wet weather. Mayor Robyn Holmes said the council kept employee costs rising by just 0.9 per cent, well below inflation of 3.8 per cent. Unrestricted cash rose $5.6 million to $35.9 million. The statements show an operating deficit of $9.1 million, mainly due to the timing of disaster recovery and grant payments and higher depreciation after asset revaluation. The Queensland Audit Office is finalising its audit, and the council expects to present its Annual Report to a special meeting in November 2026.
Albury councillors have voted 5-4 to defer consideration of a proposed rate rise of almost 30 per cent. The revised plan included annual increases of 14 per cent over two years, costing the average ratepayer an extra $375 a year. Councillor Jess Kellahan said the process had been flawed and council should first identify its true financial position and savings. Ratepayers and residents have called for further cuts before any increase. The decision defers the matter until April or May 2027.
An independent review has found Yass Valley Council needs $8.3 million a year by 2027/28 to maintain its financial position. Consultant Graham Jarvis told a community forum that relying only on rates could mean a cumulative rise of up to 76.55 per cent. He said the gap could be closed by raising revenue, cutting spending, or a combination of both, and that service delivery changes could help. The council has not yet decided whether to apply for a special rate variation. Councillors will consider a response at a public forum and extraordinary meeting on 14 October.
