Darebin searching for $9.7 million p.a.

⊸ News ⋅ By Emily Kulich
Published at 11:27pm on Monday 3 March 2025

‘RAPID inflation’ is blamed for the City of Darebin facing an annual budget shortfall of $9.7 million by July 2028.

Councillors carried two motions addressing budget pressures at their latest meeting; one deferring 10 projects from the 2024/25 Council Plan Action Plan (not a typo), and the other noting a confidential internal report outlining options to “remain financially sustainable”.

Deferred projects have no guarantee of return, with the motion stating the council will “consider them as part of developing the 2025-29 Council Plan.

Multiple deferred projects focus on supporting Aboriginal and culturally diverse communities.
Councillor Matt Arturi seemed confident at least some projects will regain funding imminently. Speaking after seconding the motion, Cr Arturi stated he “looks forward” to works at Clements Reserve, Reservoir, – located on the border of his ward – “progressing in the new council plan.”

Council officers noted the need for interim targets of “$2-$3 million additional savings or revenue each year from 2025/26.” That target is “modest”, according to officers, who note the overall 2028/29 budget is expected to be $242 million.

The biggest cost culprits are “recent price rises, particularly in regards to construction, maintenance and utilities”.

A draft 2025/26 Council Plan and budget are scheduled for public release at the end of April, allowing community members to see where the first $2-$3 million in savings are found and provide feedback.
While higher costs have hit the council’s bottom line, its Mid-Year Budget Review revealed some small wins.

Most notable was $1.6 million in “unbudgeted profit-sharing income through various leisure contracts”.
Salary savings brought in $836,000 over the six months, while better-than-budgeted interest returns on investments contributed $812,000.

Deferred projects (Summarised)

Implementation of Aboriginal Action Plan.
Review of procurement policy to…
a) further engage Aboriginal-led businesses, and
b) focus on job creation for culturally and linguistically diverse people as well as young people.
Finalisation of a Cultural Diversity Action Plan to better engage people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Implementation of action plan supporting wellbeing of LGBTQIA+ people.
Monitoring of actions from the Welcoming Cities evaluation report.
Finalising the draft Community Infrastructure Plan.
Undertaking EPA-mandated contamination assessment and removal works at Clements Reserve, Reservoir, as well as…
…continuing to progress acquisition of three parcels of land at the site from the state government.
Finalisation of a Lease and Licensing Policy.
Completion of the Property Strategy.

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