What the council is working on
Recent deliveries, what's underway now, and what's planned next — drawn from the council's own plans, budgets and project pages. We report what the council has publicly said it's doing; every item links to its source.
The council's stated direction
Benalla's direction is set by its Council Plan 2025–2029. The council's vision, as stated in the 2026/27 budget, is 'A sustainable, thriving and cohesive community where lifestyle, culture, health and wellbeing are supported by sound leadership and community partnership.' Its stated purpose is 'to work in partnership with the community to build a connected, future-focused municipality, where people and place can thrive.'
The Council Plan has five themes — Community, Economy, Environment, Liveability and Leadership — with strategic objectives under each: a healthy, safe and resilient community, and a connected, involved and inclusive community; a flourishing visitor economy and sustainable growth; a healthy and protected natural environment, and a circular economy, renewable energy and sustainable waste management; vibrant public spaces and places, and connected and accessible roads, footpaths, transport and parking; and good governance, a high-performance culture and an engaged and informed community. Each year's budget funds services and initiatives under these themes.
The 2026/27 budget, adopted on 24 June 2026, raises the average general rate and municipal charge by the 2.75% cap and existing waste charges by 5%. It funds $21.061 million of capital works, including completion of the Benalla Art Gallery redevelopment, the start of the Benalla Multisport Stadium, $4.59 million on roads and $656,000 on drainage, part-funded by $1.3 million of new borrowings. It forecasts an adjusted underlying deficit of $4.664 million; the CEO's introduction says underlying deficits reflect a challenge faced by many small rural and regional councils.
Underway now
Benalla Art Gallery redevelopment
Under construction (July 2026 update); the 2026/27 budget funds its completionA two-stage redevelopment of the heritage-listed gallery, including a café extension, funded by the Regional Cultural Infrastructure Program (Stage 1A) and the Growing Regions Program (Stage 1B). The gallery is closed during the works; a pop-up gallery has operated at 75 Bridge Street East since November 2025. The budget puts the completion of the redevelopment at $8.210 million in 2026/27.
Source: Benalla Rural City Council — Have Your Say: Benalla Art Gallery Redevelopment
Fawckner Drive Precinct and pump track
Pump track complete; paths, seating, shelters and signage scheduled for late 2026A $1.42 million pump track near Lake Benalla, with beginner, intermediate and advanced sections, funded by $1 million from the Victorian Government's Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund and $420,000 from the council. It is part of the Fawckner Drive Masterplan adopted in February 2024.
Source: Benalla Rural City Council — Have Your Say: Fawckner Drive Precinct Plan
Benalla Heritage Gap Study
Comments on the draft closed 19 June 2026; final draft to go to CouncilA review of heritage protection in Benalla township. The draft identifies 4 new residential heritage precincts in Benalla East and Benalla West and 12 places of individual significance, and recommends changes to the mapping of the Benalla Central Heritage Precinct (HO26). Any changes to the planning scheme would go through a formal planning scheme amendment with its own consultation.
Source: Benalla Rural City Council — Have Your Say: Benalla Heritage Study 2026
Planned / committed
Benalla Multisport Stadium
Detailed design underway; construction expected to start by mid-2027 and finish by mid-2028A new indoor stadium at Churchill Recreation Reserve, confirmed as the site on 9 September 2026, with two indoor courts, changerooms, a community room, office space and a canteen. The council has signed a funding agreement for $15 million from the Victorian Government.
Recreation Reserves Masterplans 2026–2036
Adopted September 2026; works staged over 10 years as funding allowsTen-year plans for Churchill Recreation Reserve, United Friendly Society Reserve, Benalla Gardens Reserve and the Benalla Showgrounds and Recreation Reserve. After 267 submissions, the final plans keep hardcourt tennis at the Botanical Gardens and increase netball courts at Churchill Reserve from four to six.
Source: Benalla Rural City Council — Benalla adopts 10-year plan for local sporting facilities (18 Sep 2026)