Rates rise for Surf Coast

Surf Coast budget delivers environmental rebates, rate rises, major capital works

THE Surf Coast Shire will offer rate rebates to landowners who permanently protect native vegetation and wildlife habitat on their properties under a new environmental initiative adopted as part of its 2026–27 budget. The Trust for Nature covenant was endorsed by councillors on Tuesday night after receiving majority support during consultation on the draft budget. More than 50 per cent of respondents to the draft budget in April supported its ad…

Rates rise for Surf Coast

Active transport, environmental conservation and community connection are some key focuses in Surf Coast Shire Council’s latest budget. Council adopted (six councillors to three) the Budget Report 2026-27 during its 23 June meeting, which included a rate cap of 2.75 per cent. Councillor Mike Bodsworth said the budget prioritised the upkeep of existing assets and contained “important initiatives for a stronger municipality in the future”. “The bu…