Have your say on Draft Budget 2020/21

Media Release

The Golden Plains Shire Council’s Draft Budget 2020/21 is now on exhibition from Saturday 2 May to Friday 29 May 2020, following Council’s endorsement at its Ordinary Meeting on 28 April 2020.

Mayor Cr Owen Sharkey says Council looks forward to hearing from local residents and businesses on the Draft Budget, with all submissions considered prior to the adoption of Council’s Budget 2020/21 on Tuesday 23 June.

“Council has developed a responsible and fair Draft Budget 2020/21 that respects the challenges of the COVID-19 situation in Golden Plains and puts an emphasis on innovation and efficiency to reduce costs.

“The primary focus of this year’s Draft Budget is to confirm Council’s commitment to continue delivering all its current services under the rates cap. Our people and our communities are the heart of Golden Plains – and this is reflected in the majority of budget spending dedicated to delivering more than 60 services for the residents of the Shire.

“With the principle understanding that maintaining our assets makes more sense than paying for new replacements, the Draft Budget 2020/21 also keeps Council’s investment in local roads and infrastructure steady with several important major projects funded by State and Federal Governments this year.

“Council is pleased to endorse the Draft Budget 2020/21 and we encourage Golden Plains’ residents and businesses to read the plan and have their say in May. We look forward to considering all submissions in the development of the final Council Budget 2020/21.”

Key Features of Draft Budget 2020/21

  • $43 million to deliver more than 60 services to the Golden Plains community
  • $13.6 million investment in capital assets
  • $2.8 million to maintain Council’s assets
  • $2.3 million for active ageing and disability services
  • $1 million for community planning and grants
  • $900,000 for resealing local roads
  • $600,000 for gravel re-sheeting of local roads
  • $500,000 for improvements to local roads
  • 2% rates cap in 2020/21, down from 2.5% in 2019/20
  • Waste Management Charge: $340 per household

2020 Rating Strategy Review

At its February 2020 Ordinary Meeting, Council approved an extensive review of the Rating Strategy to further increase equity across the Shire. The new rating principles are applied in Council’s Draft Budget 2020/21.

Key features of the Rating Strategy Review include:

  • All residences will now be charged the same rate in the dollar.
  • New differentials will be established for all farm properties, based on size and land use. Farms that are considered incoming generating will be charged at a different differential to farms used for residential use.
  • Every vacant land block in the Shire will be charged the same rate in the dollar.
  • All business, industrial and commercial properties in Bannockburn will be charged 120% of the rate in the dollar. Businesses outside of Bannockburn will be charged 100%.

Rates Support in Draft Budget 2020/21

Golden Plains Shire Council has confirmed a package of financial relief options for local residents and businesses to support the Golden Plains community in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These measures have been funded in Council’s Draft Budget 2020/21.

Ratepayers and residents experiencing financial hardship

• Introduction of a Special COVID-19 Financial Hardship Policy for Golden Plains Shire Council ratepayers.

• Suspension of all current debt recovery action for unpaid 2019/20 rates through to 30 September 2020.

• Waive interest on overdue 2019/20 rates through to 30 September 2020.

• Waive penalties for late payment on pet registration fees through to 30 September 2020.

• New payment plans available for animal registration renewals.

Business support includes:

• Introduction of a Special COVID-19 Financial Hardship Policy for local businesses.

• Commitment to pay invoices from all local businesses within 14 days to support cash flow.

• Extension of time applications for business-related septic tank and planning permits expiring before 30 September 2020 can be lodged at no cost.

• Refund of all permit fees for events and activities that have been cancelled or closed as directed by Government.

• New allowance for commercial businesses to reduce their waste collection arrangements if necessary.

• Free mentoring support for small businesses experiencing hardship.

The COVID-19 Financial Hardship Policy is available on Council’s website: goldenplains.vic.gov.au. For more information or to apply, call Council’s Customer Service team at 5220 7111.

Have Your Say on Draft Budget 2020/21

Read Council’s Draft Budget 2020/21: Visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/budget. With face-to-face interactions closed at Council’s Customer Service Centres, due to the COVID pandemic, residents seeking a hard copy of the Draft Budget can call Customer Service at 5220 7111.

Ask Your Budget Questions: With COVID-19 restrictions presenting a challenge for face-to-face Budget Drop-In Sessions, residents are invited to send in their Draft Budget questions by Wednesday 20 May via email at [email protected]; mail to Manager Finance, PO Box 111, Bannockburn, VIC 3331; or visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/consultations. Council’s finance team will answer questions directly with a selection of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) published on Council’s website and social media during the consultation period. This information will help residents to prepare their submission and have their say on the Draft Budget.

Make a Budget Submission: Written submissions may be lodged by 5pm, Friday 29 May. Post a submission addressed to Director Corporate Services, Golden Plains Shire Council, PO Box 111, Bannockburn, VIC 3331; email [email protected]; or visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/budget.

Present a Submission to Council: Council will hold a Special Budget Meeting at 6pm, Tuesday 9 June, and everyone who lodges a written submission is welcome to present it to Councillors. The final Budget 2020/21 will be considered for adoption by Council at its Ordinary Meeting in Bannockburn on Tuesday 23 June, 2020.

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