In response to escalating project costs and sustained economic pressures, Council endorsed a series of amendments aimed at maintaining long-term financial sustainability while continuing to invest in essential services and infrastructure.
Albury Mayor Kevin Mack said the 2025/26 Budget reflected the need to make considered choices in a constrained economic environment, while still progressing key priorities for the community.
“The financial sustainability measures we’ve had to adopt reflect the reality we’re facing, but that doesn’t make these decisions any easier. While not every initiative could be funded, we’ve maintained our focus on essential services and continued investment in projects that support the city’s long-term needs,” Mayor Mack said.
Key amendments to the adopted budget include:
- Increasing the Lavington Swim Centre budget from $36.1M to $45.1M (with Council’s $16M contribution unchanged and the remaining $29M to be secured through external funding).
- Advancing $9M in wastewater infrastructure projects to 2025/26 and 2026/27 to support growth and service reliability - proactively planning for and investing in critical infrastructure.
- Updating the 2025/26 capital new initiatives budget to $83M, prioritising road, footpath, water and sewer upgrades.
- Council also requested a review of the resourcing and timing of the Shuter Avenue intersection upgrade, with a report to be provided to Council within the next three months.
“This is essential infrastructure for the future of Thurgoona and for the wellbeing of our community. We need to address safety and network efficiency,” said Deputy Mayor Jessica Kellahan, speaking about the Shuter Avenue intersection at the Council meeting.
Changes to financial assistance allocations for 2025/26 were also endorsed, including:
- Redirecting $30,000 from the Economic Development Incentive Program to community financial assistance.
- Providing financial support for:
o HotHouse Theatre: $35,000
oMurray Arts: $40,668
oParklands Albury Wodonga: $20,000
oCommunity and Cultural Grants: $50,000
“Strategy should always guide investment, and arts and culture are essential to our community. We’ve long taken pride in our commitment to the arts and it’s important we continue to support that. The amount in question is relatively modest, yet the value delivered by these groups is significant. It would be short-sighted not to recognise the multiplying effect of that investment,” Cr Kellahan added.
The Four-Year Delivery Program outlines $380M in proposed works across 2025–2029, supported by $94M in capital income. These projects aim to enhance liveability, support population growth, and strengthen essential services.
Other major investments include:
- Waterview Stage 2 Wastewater Treatment Plant – $61M
- Main Sewage Pump Station and Rising Main – $39M
- Thurgoona Link Road – $40M (with $19M in external funding)
- Albury Entertainment Centre Convention Wing – $39.5M (includes $25M in grant funding)
- Road and Drainage Rehabilitation – $12M (includes $6M Roads to Recovery)
- Albury Airport Runway Overlay – $10M (includes $5M grant)
- Lauren Jackson Sports Centre Upgrade – $8M (includes $5M grant)
To support these priorities, Council has adopted a 4.1% increase in ordinary rate revenue for 2025/26, in line with the rate peg set by the NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).
For the average household, this equates to $2.95 per week across combined rates and charges.
The Domestic Waste Management Charge remains unchanged at $345, supported by reserve funds.
A total of 99 community submissions were received during the exhibition period, reflecting a range of community priorities. They included:
- Mountain Bike Strategy Implementation – 30 submissions
- Eastern Hill Activation Master Plan – 18 submissions
- Corrys Road lighting and footpaths – 6 submissions
- Thurgoona sporting fields – 5 submissions
- Lauren Jackson Sports Centre Stage 2 – 2 submissions
While many of these priorities were strongly supported, current budget constraints have limited Council’s ability to fund all initiatives immediately, however projects which could not be accommodated within this budget will be considered in future budgets.
The adopted budget reflects the financial realities facing councils across the country, with inflation continuing to impact delivery costs. AlburyCity will maintain a strong focus on external funding opportunities, service efficiency and alignment with community priorities.
The three adopted plans align with the goals of the Towards Albury 2050 Community Strategic Plan, reinforcing Council’s commitment to sustainable growth, quality services and long-term infrastructure planning.