Have Your Say on Draft 2018/19 Budget

Have Your Say on Draft 2018/19 Budget

Published on 24 April 2018

Baw Baw Shire Council has unanimously endorsed the draft 2018/19 Budget and is inviting the community to have their say.

The draft budget is the second annual budget in Council’s four-year term representing an income of $86.8 million and expenditure of $75.1 million, resulting in a surplus of $11.7 million.

Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Councillor Joe Gauci was pleased to present a draft budget that focuses on delivering quality services to the community through a combination of existing programs, new initiatives and capital works projects.

“Local infrastructure and asset renewal remains one of our top priorities with a proposed investment of $22 million towards capital works. This figure equates to 38% of Council’s total rates revenue, including $2.4 million of carry over projects from last year”, said the Mayor.

Key highlights from the proposed Capital Works Program include:

$11.6 million for roads programs and projects, $1.4 million for drainage works and improvements, $1.4 million for open space upgrades including recreation and playground works, $1.4 million for footpath construction and renewal, $3 million for a new Early Learning Centre in Warragul subsidised by Federal and State Government funding support, and $1.9 million for buildings including the West Gippsland Art Centre upgrade project and replacement of the Hearn Road public toilets.

“During the budget process, we have been mindful of the need to balance quality service and capital works delivery within a rate capped environment. We want to support our growing region with better services and infrastructure, while also meeting our legislative requirements to a high standard”, said the Mayor.

“We have worked alongside our community to develop a draft budget that funds the services and projects important to them. We’re now asking residents to review the draft budget to ensure it meets community aspirations and expectations.”

Deputy Mayor Cr Danny Goss spoke in favour of the draft budget saying it proposes a responsible use of ratepayer funds and highlights Council’s long-term financial sustainability.

“Waste service charges are proposed to increase by only $8, which is significantly less than the amount being charged by many other Councils. Likewise, our fees and charges have only increased minimally. It’s a great start but we now want to hear from the ratepayers before we come up with final document”, said Cr Goss.

The draft 2018/19 budget, Council Plan annual review and associated documents will be on exhibition until 5.00pm on Thursday 24 May 2018. To review these documents and provide a feedback submission, please go to www.bawbawshire.vic.gov.au/HaveYourSay or visit one of Council‘s Customer Service Centres in Warragul and Drouin.

Following the public exhibition period, Council will consider public submissions at a Special Council Meeting at 5.30pm on Wednesday 6 June at the Trafalgar Council Chamber. Submitters may speak to their submission if they request this in advance.