Council approves 2018/19 Budget

Tuesday 19 June 2018

Wellington Shire Council has adopted its 2018/19 Budget, with $22 million to be spent on roads, residential streets, paths, parks, streetscapes and open spaces.

Wellington Shire Council Deputy Mayor Ian Bye said Council had to balance the needs and priorities of the entire Wellington community, which was sometimes difficult.

“Wellington spans 10,924 square kilometres, making it the third largest municipality in Victoria,” he said.

“Council delivers 120 varied services across our many communities, so maintaining and improving these while continuing to deliver new infrastructure is always a challenge.”

Highlights of the budget include funding for:

Maffra - Cameron Sporting Complex Stadium redevelopment (multi- year project) Longford - Johnsons Road upgrade Maffra - Streetscape renewal (multi-year project) Yarram - Staceys Bridge widening upgrade Sale - CBD Infrastructure Renewal Program - York St (multi-year project) Stockdale - Beverleys Road safety upgrades Alberton - Tarra Trail Stage 2 - Port Albert Heyfield - Firebrace Road upgrade Rosedale - Toilet replacement Loch Sport - Basketball court and skate park shelter Seacombe -Boat ramp upgrade Briagolong - Recreation Reserve - Pavilion redevelopment (multi-year project) Sale - Memorial Hall redevelopment Gormandale - Gormandale Reserve lighting upgrade Port Albert - Research in relation to Port Albert drainage and tidal protection opportunities. Sale - Sale Tennis Club redevelopment

Wellington’s general rate will rise by 2.25%, in line with the State Government’s Fair Go Rating System.

There will also be a small increase in the waste charge, in response to the price increase for recyclables following the nation-wide recycling crisis.

“Along with all Victorian Councils, Wellington has been hit by the sudden change in the market after China announced it would no longer accept co-mingled recyclables,” Cr Bye said.

“As a result, Wellington has had to increase the charge for collecting the fortnightly recycling bin by $35 for the year, which works out to be an extra $1.30 a fortnight.

“The cost of disposing our waste overall is growing, and it is not acceptable to us or the community that our recycling ends up in landfill.”