The Golden Plains Shire Council Annual Report 2020/21 was presented to Council at its meeting on 28 September 2021.
Council’s Annual Report 2020/21 is an accurate and detailed report of the operations and services of Council in the past financial year, as well as a strategic account of the Council’s achievements and challenges in 2020/21.
In accordance with the Local Government Act 1989, Council must prepare and adopt an Annual Report every financial year. The Annual Report 2020/21 has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Act and includes the Report of Operations; Audited Performance Statement; Audited Financial Statements; Auditor’s report on the Performance Statement prepared under section 132; and Auditor’s report on the Financial Statements under Part 3 of the Audit Act 1994.
The Annual Report 2020/21 shares the story of Council’s major highlights and achievements from 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021 including:
- Significant funding investment from State and Federal Governments.
- Strategic long-term planning for the future of Golden Plains Shire including the Golden Plains Shire Community Vision 2040 and the Council Plan 2021-2025.
- Record investment in capital projects, roads infrastructure and community assets.
- Advocacy success through Council’s strategic partnerships including Council’s first funding from the Victorian Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund and the progress of valuable regional initiatives.
- Council’s commitment to community engagement including the development of its Community Engagement Policy.
Major capital works completed by Council in 2020/21 include the Golden Plains Civic Centre – Stage Two and Lethbridge Lights and Irrigation Upgrade. Official openings were also held for the Victoria Park Sport Oval Lighting Upgrade in Bannockburn, Inverleigh Netball Courts and Lighting, and Haddon Recreation Centre Floor. Construction began on a number of capital work projects including the Golden Plains Youth Hub, Bannockburn Soccer Facility Upgrade, Inverleigh Change Rooms Upgrade and final planning for the Bannockburn Skate Park Upgrade.
In 2020/21, funding grants were also secured for future capital works projects including the Bannockburn South West Industrial Estate stormwater infrastructure project, Meredith skate park and BMX trails upgrade, and cricket training facilities in Lethbridge and Linton. The Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure funding will continue to support the delivery of several community projects in 2021/22. Council also secured its first two funding commitments from the Victorian Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund: Golden Plains Youth Hub and Ross Creek Play Space and Active Recreation Upgrade.
In 2020/21, Council’s completed major road projects including upgrades of Shelford-Mt Mercer Road in Mount Mercer and Meredith-Shelford Road in Meredith; and replacement works on Slate Quarry Road Bridge in Meredith, Reserve Road Bridge in Rokewood, Geggies Road Bridge in Rokewood, Franklin Bridge in Napoleons, Steiglitz Bridge in Steiglitz and Barwon Park Road Bridge in Inverleigh. Construction began on the Bannockburn Township Entrance Roundabout and planning progressed on the Midland Highway Roundabout project in Bannockburn.
As required under the Local Government Act 1989, the Golden Plains Shire Council Annual Report 2020/21 has been published on Council’s website and promoted to the community through traditional and digital media channels. A public notice advertising the Annual Report has been placed in the Geelong Advertiser and Ballarat Courier on Saturday 2 October, and will also be included in the Golden Plains Times on Thursday 7 October.
The Annual Report 2020/21 is available to view online and download here. Printed copies of the Annual Report 2020/21 are available to view at Council’s Customer Service Centres at 2 Pope Street, Bannockburn and 19 Heales Street, Smythesdale.