A RATE rise of 2.75 percent for Kingston residents has been proposed for the next financial year.
Kingston Council’s draft budget for 2026/2027 was released for consultation last week. The budget proposes a 2.75 percent rate rise in line with the state government’s rate cap.
The draft 2026/2027 budget projected a surplus of $6.4 million, and an infrastructure budget of more than $80 million has been set aside for capital works projects. The draft budget is impacted by the planned opening of the new Mordi Aquatic Centre in the middle of the financial year.
Kingston mayor Georgina Oxley said that council is “investing in a wide range of projects” including “major overhauls of Namatjira Park in Clayton South and Walter Galt Reserve in Parkdale, and progress on the masterplan for Cheltenham’s Le Page Park.”
“We are also adding a new soccer pitch at Kingston Heath Reserve and upgrading the Bonbeach Basketball Stadium. Of course, we are really excited to open our new Mordi Aquatic Centre too. A major investment in the health and wellbeing of our community,” Cr Oxley said. “Our kids will soon be enjoying some new playspaces at Follet Road Reserve, Gartside Reserve, Balcombe Road Reserve and Heights Park, among others, as well. All this, while looking after our roads, undertaking crucial flood mitigation work (particularly in Aspendale) and footpath renewals in Dingley Village, Clarinda and Mentone, and completing a string of public toilet upgrades.
“I know many households are doing it tough right now and it’s essential your council operates as efficiently as possible. That’s why we’re focused on spending your rates carefully and responsibly; maintaining our current assets and the services people rely on while planning for the infrastructure our growing city needs into the future.”
Numerous hardship measures implemented by council will carry over into the next financial year, including the rates hardship assistance rebate, 75 percent pensioner discount on pet registrations, discount leisure centre programs and services, and a discount business support program.
The next budget will feature higher waste charges. The draft budget read that the increase is in line with the new ministerial guidelines stating that the a service charge can be used for “recovery of up to the cost of (but not exceeding) the collection of illegally dumped municipal waste on council land and the collection of council owned bins in public spaces and subsequent management of this waste, including transport, storage, processing and disposal and directly associated infrastructure.”
To make a submission on the draft budget visit yourkingstonyoursay.com.au/draft-budget2026-27 before 20 April.
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 1 April 2026