Draft 2012-13 Council Budget

Golden Plains Shire Council has released its draft 2012-13 budget for public viewing, after careful consideration of the expectations and pressures experienced by our residents, businesses and communities.

Council remains in a strong financial position through a conservative and responsible approach to financial management. This has enabled Council to deliver the essential services and infrastructure required to support the needs of our growing and changing population.

Mayor Cr Geraldine Frantz said Council recognised the importance to have a broad view of the wider community needs and showed restraint throughout the budget preparation process.

“The 2012-13 budget shows our commitment to responsible and proactive governance. It demonstrates sound stewardship of the community’s assets and aims to develop a sustainable municipality which is responsive to community needs whilst providing value to its ratepayers,” said Cr Frantz.

The budget, with total expenditure (operating and capital) of almost $32 million dollars, will deliver a broad range of services, programs and infrastructure projects and is a reflection of the progressive strategic direction Council has adopted.

Programs and services include:

• $8.2m allocated to the construction and maintenance of road and street infrastructure;
• $7.5m to support and develop our recreation and community spaces and groups;
• $5.9m to human support services, including children, aged, disability and maternity support; and
• $3.3m to managing Council’s environmental and land use planning responsibilities.

Council takes its legal responsibility to ensure sustainable financial management very seriously and has remained strongly committed to its long term financial plans to develop the annual Budget. The proposed total increase in its rates and charges has been limited to 7.83%.

Copies of the prepared budget will be available for inspection on Council’s website www.goldenplains.vic.gov.au or at Council’s Customer Service Centres inBannockburn and Linton from Monday 30 April.

Any person may make a written submission on the budget in accordance with section 223 of the Local Government Act 1989.  They may request to appear in person or be represented by another specified person to present the submission at the Council meeting on Tuesday 26 June 2012 at the Linton Customer Service Centre,Sussex Street, Linton. 

Submission should be lodged no later than 1 June 2012 and forwarded to the Chief Executive Officer, PO Box 111, Bannockburn, 3331.  Any person requiring further information should contact Council's Corporate Services Director, Richard Trigg on 5220 7111.