Glenorchy City Council has handed down its 2025/26 budget which delivers financial sustainability as well as increased investment in priority services identified in Council’s strategic plan.
Glenorchy Mayor Sue Hickey said the budget contained an operational surplus of almost $900,000 which would allow Council to completely pay off its debt this coming year.
“Being in a strong financial position is critical for our council. It allows us to invest with certainty in services for our community, as well as make strategic investments in projects and infrastructure.
“Elected members have been strongly committed to improving the financial position of the Council, which is pleasingly now on track to be in net surplus as soon as the 2026/27 financial year,” she said.
Council has passed a 4.95 per cent rate increase, equating to $1.85 a week for a median residential property.
“We know some people in our community are doing it tough, and even small increases can impact household budgets. Council will maintain a range of measures to assist ratepayers experiencing financial hardship.”
Mayor Hickey said Council’s operational expenditure will top $82 million next financial year, with about $48 million in revenue generated from rates.
“We are determined to continue investing in the services and facilities our community wants and needs. We want to build the very best city we can and create a place that people want to not only visit and enjoy but choose to live and work in as well.
“Achieving this takes commitment. We want to support the community and the many positives we see every single day and focus on how we can invest in and deliver services which supports and magnifies those positives, which ultimately provides us all with a welcoming city catering for a growing population with diverse needs.”
Key measures from the budget include:
- $8.34 million for the Glenorchy War Memorial Pool, Humphreys Rivulet Rehabilitation and the International Food Garden.
- $23.53 million for projects including road resurfacing, footpath replacement and renewal, reconstructing Renfrew Circle, extending the Giblins Reserve car park, black spot projects at Sunmont St, Chapel St and Fourth Ave, Abbotsfield Park cricket wickets and lighting replacement, public toilet replacement at Poimena Reserve, playspace renewal at Apex Park.
- Continued investment in the Clean City initiative, youth engagement, community safety and maintenance improvements.