Hamilton City Council has finalised its work programme and budget for the next financial year, progressing the projects and investment set in the 2024-34 Long-Term Plan.
The 2025/26 Annual Plan includes $255.3 million of capital expenditure, almost three quarters of which will go towards transport and three waters infrastructure.
Work to maintain prominent facilities will see upgrades to the Central Library, Celebrating Age Centre, and Frankton Railway Hall, while seven other community buildings will receive renewals.
The new Pukete Neighbourhood House will open, and eight playgrounds across the city will be refreshed, including the Parana Park destination playground.
Mayor Paula Southgate is pleased with the balance of investment in the final Annual Plan of her mayoralty.
“This is largely business as usual, given the extraordinary cost increases and pressures that we have faced,” said Mayor Southgate.
“The public can have confidence that we are working hard to maintain a balanced budget, deliver core infrastructure and deliver on community expectations.”
The rates increase set for 2025/26 in the Long-Term Plan was confirmed, with an average increase of 15.5% for existing ratepayers.
This keeps Council on track to balance its books (meet everyday costs with everyday revenue) in 2026/27.
However, this could be impacted by the outcome of the revaluation of Council’s stormwater assets.
Rates for a median value residential property in 2025/26 are $3779, a weekly increase of around $9.70 from 2024/25.
Rates will be structured differently in 2025/26, as separate rates are introduced for drinking water, wastewater and stormwater.
The separate rates are necessary under the government’s Local Water Done Well legislation, as part of preparing to transition water services to IAWAI Flowing Waters from next year.
The ‘general rate’ portion of a property’s rates will be reduced in 2025/26 (by approximately 28%) to accommodate the new separate rates.
The 2025/26 Annual Plan was adopted unanimously.