Council has launched a new engagement initiative, seeking input into the development of the Draft Council Budget 2022/23.
The Council Budget 2022/23 will deliver on Council’s commitment to services, projects and programs over the next financial year, under the guidance of the Council Plan 2021-2025, Golden Plains Shire Community Vision 2040 and Long-Term Financial Plan 2021/22-2030/31.
The Council Budget 2022/23 Community Survey is open now and closes 5pm, Wednesday 23 February, 2022. The survey can be completed at Council's Have Your Say page or pick up a copy of the survey at Council’s Customer Service Centre, 2 Pope Street, Bannockburn. Completed paper surveys may be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to: Golden Plains Shire Council, PO Box 111, Bannockburn, VIC, 3331, marked ‘Attention: Council Budget 2022/23 Survey’.
As part of the early budget engagement, Council will present two virtual community workshops: 7 to 9pm on Tuesday 8 February and Thursday 10 February. All residents are welcome to join online and view a presentation on the 2022/23 financial plan and ask questions in the Q&A session. A link to the virtual meeting will be posted on Council’s website on the day of the event: goldenplains.vic.gov.au
Please note: The budget workshops were scheduled to be held at Bannockburn and Smythesdale but have been moved online, in line with Council’s COVID response regarding indoor events in February 2022.
Mayor Cr Gavin Gamble says the pre-budget consultation is a new opportunity for feedback on community priorities.
“The pre-budget engagement is a new initiative of Councillors in response to requests from community members to have their say earlier in the budget development process.
“The annual Council Budget details the financial commitment to deliver on the Council Plan 2021-2025 and it’s very important that we respect the significant community consultation that went into developing the Plan last year. We know what our community wants Council to complete over the four years of the Council term and the budget will progress those Strategic Objectives.
“With this pre-budget engagement, we are asking residents to share their priorities for the 12 months in relation to community services areas and initiatives within the Council Plan 2021-2025. There is a community survey available online and at Council’s Customer Service Centres or residents can tune in to the virtual workshop to ask questions and learn more about the budget.
“We look forward to receiving the responses to inform the development of the Draft Council Budget 2022/23, which will come to Council in April and then go out on public exhibition for feedback prior to adoption in June 2022.”