Nillumbik adopts three-year revenue plan, declares Eltham levy

Nillumbik Shire Council has adopted its Revenue and Rating Plan 2026-2029 and declared a special rate levy for Eltham Town Activity Centre after Tuesday night’s meeting at the council chamber in Greensborough. The levy will raise $143,000 a year from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2029.

Council adopted the revenue plan after it was exhibited for 33 days and drew eight submissions. Councillors also authorised chief executive officer Carl Cowie to give public notice of the decision. The motion was carried unanimously.

The Eltham levy was declared for three years, from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2029. The report says it will fund marketing, promotion and other incidental expenses linked to encouraging commerce in the area.

It also records a total cost of $429,000 over the three years. The annual levy will be applied to affected properties using a formula based on 70 per cent net annual value and 30 per cent property square metre area.

The minutes say Council received 11 written submissions on the proposal, with 10 in support and one objection. Council first gave notice of its intention to declare the levy on 9 December 2025, and considered submissions at a Planning and Consultation Committee meeting on 10 March 2026.

The levy is intended to fund activities for the Eltham Chamber of Commerce and Industry, including events, marketing campaigns, business development and digital work.

Council also abandoned further investigation into the Milthorpe Road Special Charge Scheme for sealing Milthorpe Road, Diamond Creek, after support fell below the policy threshold. It placed further investigation on a three-year moratorium.

The meeting also noted the 2026 Annual Community Survey results, the Q3 2025-2026 Council Plan performance report, and minutes from the Positive Ageing, Environment & Sustainability, Inclusion and Access, and Youth Council advisory committees. Council also updated staff authorisations under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 and fixed the common seal to the instrument.

Earlier in the agenda, councillors endorsed new membership for the Environment and Sustainability Advisory Committee and the Living & Learning Nillumbik Advisory Committee. The meeting papers also listed tender and contract items for Eltham Rugby Pitch Reconstruction, arboricultural planning advisory services, landfill rehabilitation, and shire office building works and lift installation.