funding · Nillumbik Shire Council
Nillumbik adopts three-year rating plan, backs Eltham levy
Nillumbik Shire Council has adopted its Revenue and Rating Plan 2026-2029 and declared a $143,000-a-year special rate levy for Eltham Town Activity Centre.
Nillumbik Shire Council has adopted its Revenue and Rating Plan 2026-2029 at its 26 May meeting in Greensborough, and declared a special rate levy for the Eltham Town Activity Centre worth $143,000 a year from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2029.
Councillors also authorised chief executive officer Carl Cowie to give public notice of the adopted plan. The draft plan was exhibited for 33 days after Council endorsed it for consultation on 24 March 2026, and eight submissions were received.
The adoption of the plan was carried unanimously.
For Eltham Town Activity Centre, councillors resolved that the levy be declared under the Local Government Act 1989 for three years. The minutes say the total cost of the function between 1 July 2026 and 30 June 2029 is $429,000, with the levy raising $143,000 each year.
The levy is for marketing, promotion and other incidental expenses linked to encouraging commerce in the activity centre. The scheme will be applied to rateable land using 70 per cent of Net Annual Value and 30 per cent of Property Square Meter Area.
Council said the renewal will give the Eltham Chamber of Commerce and Industry financial resources for events, marketing campaigns, business development and digital activities. The minutes also say the current scheme has funded advertising campaigns, events and broader marketing over the past five years.
The Eltham resolution was carried unanimously. The motion was moved by Cr John Dumaresq and seconded by Cr Kate McKay.
Council also abandoned further investigation into the Milthorpe Road Special Charge Scheme in Diamond Creek. The section under consideration runs between Black Gully Road and Astons Road.
That proposal was dropped after support fell below the policy threshold. Any further investigation is now subject to a three-year moratorium.
The meeting also noted the 2026 Annual Community Survey results, received the third-quarter Council Plan performance report, and endorsed advisory committee matters including Environment and Sustainability Advisory Committee membership and officer authorisations under the Planning and Environment Act 1987.
Reference minutes
This story is based on the Nillumbik Shire Council Council Meeting minutes of 26 May 2026.
Key facts from the minutes
- Council adopted the Revenue and Rating Plan 2026-2029 on 26 May 2026.
- The Revenue and Rating Plan was exhibited for 33 days and drew eight submissions.
- Council authorised the CEO to give public notice of the adoption decision.
- A special rate levy was declared for the Eltham Town Activity Centre from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2029.
- The Eltham levy will raise $143,000 a year, or $429,000 over three years.
- Council abandoned further investigation into the Milthorpe Road Special Charge Scheme between Black Gully Road and Astons Road.
- Any further Milthorpe Road investigation is subject to a three-year moratorium.
Why it matters
- The plan sets how Nillumbik will raise revenue over the next three years, locks in a dedicated levy for Eltham Town Activity Centre, and puts the Milthorpe Road sealing proposal on hold.