Golden Plains Shire Council invites the community to view its draft 2017-18 Budget which will be available for public inspection from Monday 1 May.
The 2017-18 draft Budget proposes an average rate increase of 2.0% per assessment. This is in line with the State Government’s Fair Go Rates System (FGRS) which has capped rate increases by Victorian councils in 2017-18.
Mayor Cr Des Phelan says that the Budget balances a commitment to quality service and infrastructure provision with financial sustainability.
“Councillors examine the budget in depth each year and are mindful of the impact rate rises have on rate payers,” said Cr Phelan.
“I believe this Budget meets the needs of our community - delivering roads, infrastructure, programs and services while still preserving our financial sustainability.”
The challenges
“To meet the financial challenges of rate capping, we have identified and implemented savings measures to comply with this obligation,” said Cr Phelan.
“Council will also continue a strong campaign of advocacy and lobbying with State and Federal Governments for grants and assistance. While we have success with securing funding for key priorities and projects – such as for the Bannockburn Heart - this revenue stream is not a certainty,” said Cr Phelan.
What the 2017-18 Budget proposes to deliver
The budgeted programs and infrastructure spending includes:
- $14.6M allocated to the construction and maintenance of road and street infrastructure
- $500K towards community engagement, detailed architectural and engineering design for a redeveloped Golden Plains Community and Civic Centre [see separate media release]
- $9.8M to support and develop our recreation and community spaces and groups
- $8.7M to human support services, including children, aged, disability and maternity support
- $3.6M to managing Council’s environmental and land use planning responsibilities
- $2.3M to managing Council’s waste collection and disposal service
- $601K to support economic development and tourism, and
- $333K to support Council’s emergency management responsibilities.
Opportunity for public submission
Residents have the opportunity to make a submission regarding the Budget and 2017-2021 Council Plan via our website at www.goldenplains.vic.gov.au/consultations
Written submissions should be lodged no later than Monday 29 May 2017, and forwarded to the Chief Executive Officer, PO Box 111, Bannockburn, 3331 or via [email protected] marked '2017-18 Budget Submission'.
Copies of the draft 2017-18 Budget will be available for inspection on Council’s website via the above link and at Council’s Bannockburn and Linton Customer Service Centres from Monday 1 May.
Anyone 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 a special meeting of Council at 6.00pm on 13 June 2017 at the Bannockburn Shire Hall, High Street, Bannockburn.
Anyone requiring further information should contact Council's Finance Manager, Jason Clissold on 5220 7111.
View Draft Budget/make submission
Golden Plains Community and Civic Centre