At its meeting last night, Hume City Council adopted the Council Plan 2025-2029 and Budget 2025/26, which includes a cost-of-living relief package offering ongoing home energy support, and opportunities for free leisure centre access.
The Council Plan 2025-2029 sets out Council’s priorities and what it seeks to achieve over the next four years to work towards the Hume Community Vision 2045 for ‘a thriving community with a strong sense of belonging’.
The Council Plan incorporates our Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan and Disability Action Plan. By integrating these plans, we seek to promote and enhance public health and wellbeing in everything we do - and reinforce our longstanding commitment to advancing social justice in our city.
The Council Plan was informed by extensive engagement and will guide Council’s work, advocacy and decisions. Our Plan is for our whole community and considers the current and future needs of everyone who lives, works and plays in Hume City.
Council also adopted its Budget 2025/26 at its meeting last night. This Budget will fund the strategic initiatives and projects to implement the first year of our new Council Plan and deliver meaningful investment to the community.
The Council Plan and Budget will ensure Council delivers the services, projects and infrastructure that this growing community needs today, as well as that of future generations.
This Budget makes targeted investments in infrastructure, essential services, and community support. It will deliver ongoing support of core services like waste, roads, and maternal and child health, while progressing key projects as outlined in the commitments below.
Council’s Annual Budget 2025/26 commits to:
$218.19 million in services and infrastructure across the city. The allocations align with the four strategic priorities in the new Council Plan 2025-2029:
- $90.01 million towards a liveable city of well-designed and connected places
- $58.82 million towards a climate resilient city with a healthy natural environment
- $27.71 million towards a healthy community that is inclusive and proud
- $41.57 million towards a well-governed Council that is strategic and trusted
$37.9 million to improve, upgrade and develop new buildings, including:
- $7.64 million – Jacksons Hill Arts and Culture Precinct
- $4.71 million – Willowbrook Recreation Reserve Pavilion
- $3.29 million – Hume Hockey Centre second pitch
- $3.45 million – Vic Foster Reserve Pavilion Upgrade
Enhancements to open space, playspaces, libraries and footpaths.
Cost-of-Living Relief Package which includes:
- Free access to our leisure centres
- Ongoing support through the household energy program
- Targeted initiatives to reduce everyday costs for families
This Budget will also deliver on Council’s commitment to environmental sustainability, digital transformation, stronger advocacy, and improved engagement with Hume City’s diverse community.
Hume City Council Mayor Cr Jarrod Bell:
"Our Council Plan builds on fostering a strong sense of belonging, celebrating our diversity, and ensuring that Hume remains a place people are proud to call home – now and into the future.”
“In developing our Plan, we have listened to the diverse voices of our community and shared aspirations for the future.”
“Hume City expects to welcome 135,000 more residents over the next four years and reach a population of 411,700 by 2045.”
“We know the cost of living continues to impact everyone in our community, regardless of their situation. In line with our long-standing commitment to social justice and improving the health and wellbeing of everyone in our community, this year’s Budget also supports our most vulnerable residents.”
“On behalf of Council, we look forward to working with our community over the next four years to achieve our Plan and adapt and respond to any challenges and opportunities that emerge.”