The latest budget has been formally adopted by the Yarra Ranges Council as of 10 June, bringing with it a slew of works planned for the Dandenong Ranges.
Drains, roads, infrastructure, and more were in focus, with many projects listed for the Hills area.
The 2025/ 2026 budget details Yarra Ranges Council’s plans for the upcoming year and provides a financial forecast for the next four years.
“In developing this year’s budget, I must acknowledge the current economic challenges and emphasise the need for financial stability whilst meeting the diverse needs of the local community,” said Mayor Jim Child at the recent meeting.
“In listening to our community, we recognise the need to focus on essential infrastructure such as roads, drains, footpaths and well-maintained townships, which is why, first and foremost, this budget prioritises investment and maintenance of existing infrastructure to ensure our community runs smoothly,” he said.
This year’s budget will also see the completion of the ngurrak barring / RidgeWalk in the Dandenongs, with a budget set to the tune of $2.1 million.
Continuing its planned 39 kilometre trail through the Dandenong Ranges that will establish new spaces for education, cultural expression and social gathering.
Mayor Child said he was confident that this is a financially responsible and sustainable budget.
“It allows us to continue to provide quality infrastructure and essential services to our 165,000-plus community members, positively impacting on their daily lives,” he said.
In the 2025-26 year, $46.2 million is expected to be spent on infrastructure projects throughout the Yarra Ranges.
The road sealing program will put $1.3 million into Belgrave Heights, while a total of $3.9 million will be expended on drainage projects across the region.
Arbor Avenue and Dalkeith Crescent, Belgrave, along with Main Street in Upwey and Ridge Road in Mount Dandenong, are listed for drainage projects.
Pathway improvement projects in the hills will include 230,000 for the Belgrave Rail Trail, $350,000 for the Kalista missing links and $200,000 for the School Road in Menzies Creek.
The Upwey Recreation Reserve main oval has a total of $725,000 in funds marked for rehab and synthetic surface renewal.
Footpaths in Best Street, Belgrave, Sophia Grove, Tecoma and Kallista-Emerald Road, The Patch are also listed for capital works, with some works carried forward from the previous year, including $200,000 for Cedar Court Road Group in Monbulk and building improvements for public toilet renewal in Sassafras.
Lyster ward councillor Peter Mcilwain said this budget demonstrates what good local government looks like, transparent, efficient and strategically focused on outcomes that are important to our community.
“We know from research that for every dollar the council invests, two to three dollars of economic activity is generated in our local economy,” he said.
“Nearly 80 per cent of our local workforce are in low to medium income brackets, and this budget supports them by stimulating the local economy, driving up wage growth and creating employment opportunities.”
In the environmental sector, the council plans to continue the Ribbons of Green and Gardens for Wildlife programs, which help residents transform their properties to support biodiversity.
There are also plans to expand the grant-funded program to protect the platypus in the Monbulk Creek catchment and develop a new Green Wedge Management Plan.
The council document stated that the plan is to ‘develop a new, contemporary Green Wedge Management Plan that addresses emerging agricultural practices and industry needs related to land use.’
Ultimately, after much discussion, the budget was passed, with Cr Heenan and Cr Mazzarella in opposition.
