City adopts 2026/27 budget to support rapid growth

At a Special Council Meeting on 7 July, Council adopted an overall 6 per cent rate increase, amounting to less than $2 per week for most homeowners.

The $430.6 million budget balances investments in major projects with the everyday services residents rely on, including a $138.6 million capital works program.

Mayor Linda Aitken said the budget reflects the level of investment required to keep pace with rapid growth.

“With around 200 people moving to our City every week, demand for roads, facilities and services continues to increase, and this budget ensures we can keep up alongside delivering new projects,” she said.

"Our budget ensures we can provide the services residents rely on every day, including maintaining over 1,970 kms of roads, over 950 parks and playgrounds, collecting over 94,000 tonnes of household waste and recycling each year, operating community facilities and libraries, and delivering community safety initiatives.”

This financial year’s operational has increased by 6.9 per cent from 2025/26 as the City responds to increasing demand for services, rising construction and operating costs, ongoing asset renewal and continued population growth.

Mayor Aitken said despite these increasing costs, Council has worked to minimise the impact on ratepayers, while continuing to invest in the services and infrastructure needed by a growing community.

“We understand many households are under pressure, which is why we’ve worked hard to keep the average increase to less than $2 per week for most residents,” she said.

“There are no easy choices when setting a budget of this scale. Our focus has been on balancing affordability with the need to responsibly plan in essential infrastructure and long-term planning for our City.

“Investing now means we can continue to provide the services and infrastructure our community expects, while helping avoid larger costs in the future.”