Albury’s growing, fast. With nearly 60,000 residents and close to 25,000 households calling our city home, how we plan, invest, and deliver services has never been more important.
Every year, we develop a Draft Operational Plan and Four-Year Delivery Program to map out the essential services we deliver and the infrastructure we invest in. And now, it’s your chance to help shape the direction for 2025/26 and beyond.
We’re not just planning for Albury. As a regional hub serving up to 300,000 people, our work reaches far beyond city boundaries. These plans are guided by your long-term vision – Towards Albury 2050 – and they influence how we work with state and federal governments, local business, and most importantly, you, to build a vibrant, inclusive and forward-looking community on the banks of the Murray.
Right now, the Draft Operational Plan, Draft Four-Year Delivery Program 2025–2029, Long-Term Financial Plan, Revenue Policy, and Resourcing Strategy, are on public exhibition – together outlining how we’ll provide service to property and people in Albury, today and into the future.
This year, we’re asking the big questions:
- Are there services we could scale back to stay sustainable in the long term?
- What services matter enough that you’d pay a little more to keep or improve them?
- Are there things Council’s doing that you think we shouldn’t be involved in?
- What projects should be brought forward – even if it means an increase in rates or fees?
The proposed budget totals $256 million, with $81 million in capital works and $175 million in operating services – covering everything from roads, footpaths and bridges to parks, pools, flood mitigation, water and wastewater, and community facilities.
Some of the major projects proposed this year include:
- Thurgoona Link Road
- Albury Entertainment Centre redevelopment
- Lavington Swim Centre upgrade
- Lauren Jackson Sports Centre (Stage 1)
- Albury Airport runway upgrades
- Oddie’s Creek Splash Park
- Wonga Wetlands enhancements
- A new Albury Animal Care Centre
And we’re backing this with smart investment: Council has secured over $67 million in grants from state and federal governments to stretch our funding further.
Less than half of Council’s income comes from rates and charges. The rest comes from user fees, government grants, developer contributions and investments.
The proposed residential rates increase for 2025/26 is 3.8%, or $59 per year, bringing the average total to $1,606. Water and sewer charges are also proposed to increase by 8% respectively, helping fund upgrades to our essential water and wastewater infrastructure.
Where does that money go?
For every $100 in rates:
- $30 supports roads and buildings
- $20 goes to recreation facilities
- $16 helps protect the environment
- $13 supports community services
- $11 backs arts and culture
- $6 funds economic development
- $4 supports city planning
Have your say
You can share your thoughts through our Have Your Say platform or join us at one of 12 community sessions across the city, including with service clubs, business groups and open forums.
Hard copies of the draft documents are available at:
- AlburyCity Kiewa Street Office
- LibraryMuseum
- Lavington Library
Make sure you have your say before 5pm on Friday 30 May. All feedback will be considered before the final draft budget goes to Council on 23 June.
Let’s make sure Albury’s future reflects the things you value most.
Your voice matters — get involved.