Golden Plains Shire 2023/24 Budget
Council adopted the Golden Plains Shire Council Budget 2023/24 (the Budget) 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.
Mayor Cr Brett Cunningham said Council was proud to adopt the Budget following extensive community engagement and looks forward to delivering the initiatives detailed in the financial plan over the next 12 months (from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024).
With extensive deliberation and input from various stakeholders, Council has crafted a comprehensive Budget that addresses the evolving needs and aspirations of our vibrant community. This plan is about delivering for our community and serving the needs of our residents.
In February this year, Council launched a comprehensive engagement program, with a community survey and online forums with Councillors and Council Officers. The Draft Budget was subsequently endorsed in April for public exhibition and was open for submissions throughout the month of May.
Council recognises the current economic climate with inflationary pressures and significant increases in costs and is continuing to support customers experiencing financial hardship by including $50k for a rate rebate to assist those in need.
The 2023/24 Budget reflects Council’s unwavering commitment to our community’s wellbeing, growth, and sustainability. We have carefully considered the community’s needs and the aspirations of our residents, and this Budget is a testament to our dedication to delivering essential services and supporting the overall prosperity of the Golden Plains region.
Thank you to our amazing community for actively participating in this year’s Budget process. Your invaluable input and engagement has helped guide the decisions that will shape our community’s future. Together, we are building a stronger and more inclusive future for all, thank you for making a difference.
Download Golden Plains Shire 2023/24 Budget
Printed copies of the Golden Plains Shire 2023/24 Budget are available on request at Council’s Customer Hubs, 2 Pope Street, Bannockburn or The Well, 19 Heales Street, Smythesdale.
Key Features of Draft 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 Draft 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 Draft 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
- Commence implementation of Climate Emergency Plan actions
- 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 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 Draft 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