Golden Plains Shire Council Budget 2023/24 (the Budget) was adopted by Council at its meeting on 28 June 2023, locking in more than $49m to deliver more than 70 services to the Golden Plains community.
The Budget reflects Council’s commitment to striking a balance between rate revenue, the long-term financial sustainability of Golden Plains, whilst maintaining and improving services that are valued by our community, within the 3.5% maximum rate cap as set by the Minister for Local Government.
Key Features of Budget 2023/24
This budget recognises the current economic climate with inflationary pressures and significant increases in costs, noting inflation is trending towards 8%, utility costs have increased up to 11%, civil construction costs up to 15% higher than historic levels, commercial building rate increases up to 20% higher than historic levels, and material costs for items such as gravel, concrete and steel have increased upwards of 20%-40%. Council is continuing to support customers experiencing financial hardship by including $50k for a rate rebate to assist those in need.
- $49.1m to deliver more than 70 services to the Golden Plains community
- $22.5m continued investment in capital assets
- $1.1m for resealing local roads
- $900k for improvements to local roads
- $800k for local gravel roads re-sheeting
- $200k for kerb and channel projects
- $856k for community safety
- $758k for community development
- $75k for LED street lighting
- $1.9m for bridge renewal and replacement
- $500k for emergency drainage works
- $400k for drainage program
- $809k for stormwater drainage improvements
- $468k on economic development
- $478k on youth development
- $50k for community and recreation facility beautification/safety works
- 3.50% rates cap in 2023/24
Community Infrastructure Projects in Budget 2023/24
- $805k Bannockburn Skate Park
- $350k Maude Community Hall
- $450k Bannockburn Family Services Centre extension
- $500k Woady Yaloak (Smythesdale) Lighting
- $1.79m Bannockburn Vic Park Netball Pavilion
- $1.8m Teesdale Don Wallace Rec Reserve Clubroom Improvements
- $2.3m Inverleigh Active Youth Space
Key Operational Programs included in Budget 2023/24
- Preparation of an Open Space Strategy for the Shire
- Continuation of the Community Strengthening Grants Program
- Funding for six more communities to progress through the Community Planning Program
- Development of 2 recreation reserve masterplans for the Smythesdale Gardens/Brewery Dam and Woady Yaloak Equestrian Centre to guide future development
- Completion and adoption of the Tracks and Trails Strategy
- Completion and adoption of the Footpath Strategy
- Completion and community consultation on Waste Services transition to reflect State mandated 4 bin service
- Completion and adoption of Moorabool River Reserve Masterplan
- Continued development and implementation of the Core Systems Transformation Project
- Implementation of new Learning and Development and Performance Management Strategy
- Development and implementation of the Safety & Wellbeing Strategy
- Funding for various programs to support active ageing, youth development, and the general health, wellbeing and inclusion of all cohorts across the community
What’s New in Budget 2023/24
- Rate Cap: State Government 3.50% rate cap included in 2023/24.
- $50k Rate Rebate to assist customers in need
- Waste Management Charge: $427 per household in 2023/24