Locals have helped shaped East Gippsland Shire Council’s 2025/26 Budget, with almost 1000 residents using an interactive online ‘Fund It’ slider tool to have their say on how council allocates funding to essential services.
Council services include libraries, emergency management, roads, waste and recycling, sports and recreation, environmental health and local laws.
The feedback received will help ensure that these services are aligned with community’s priorities. In total, 976 contributions were received with 492 people providing comments.
Key themes that emerged from the feedback include:
– A strong desire to maintain and improve infrastructure and local facilities, with roads, footpaths and drainage identified as top priorities.
– Support for responsible financial management, with an emphasis on sustainability and resilience in the face of environmental challenges.
– Concerns about balancing population growth while preserving the unique character of East Gippsland’s towns and communities.
– A call for equal access to high-quality services, facilities and opportunities to engage in community life.
High priority services identified were:
– Roads, footpaths and drainage
– Parks and playgrounds
– Aquatic and recreation centres
– Community facilities
– Emergency management
– Waste services
– Environmental management and sustainability.
Council is now reviewing this valuable feedback as it finalises the 2025/26 budget, ensuring the priorities of East Gippsland’s residents are at the heart of future decision-making.
