Annual Plan and Budget
The Annual Plan and Budget sets out Council's priorities, projects and investment for the financial year ahead. It explains the services Council will deliver, the projects it plans to undertake and how these will be funded, while supporting the long-term aspirations of Circular Head Vision 2050.
The Annual Plan and Budget 2026/27 continues Council's focus on improving financial sustainability, delivering better value for the community and investing in the priorities identified through Vision 2050.
The Annual Plan and Budget includes investment across community recreation, health, economic development, waste management and essential infrastructure.
Key initiatives include:
- Progressing the new Smithton Health Hub through a public-private partnership.
- Establishing a $2.1 million Community Recreation Fund to support improvements at West Esplanade, Smithton and new playground facilities at Kings Park, Stanley.
- Funding a new Economic Development Officer position to progress the Economic Development Strategy.
- Redeveloping Council's website.
- Leading the development of a new Circular Head Waste Strategy.
- Redesigning and upgrading the White Hills Transfer Station.
- Supporting the development of the Child and Family Learning Centre.
- Continuing advocacy for transport, housing, waste and regional infrastructure.
To support these investments and Council's long-term financial sustainability goals, the proposed Budget includes a 7.75 per cent increase in general rate revenue and introduces a proposed new Rating Strategy based on the principles of fairness and equity. The strategy recognises that different land uses place different demands on Council infrastructure and seeks to better align contributions with those impacts.
The proposed Annual Plan and Budget supports the six themes of Circular Head Vision 2050 - Environment, Community, Economy, Place, Leadership and Governance - turning the community's long-term aspirations into practical actions and investment over the coming year.