Mayor’s Message - Draft Budget 2019-20

Welcome to Council’s 2019-20 draft Budget edition.

The draft Budget is now available for feedback, and includes $102.46 million allocated to the ongoing delivery of services such as food, health and environment inspections, positive ageing services, libraries, maternal and child health, immunisation, youth mental health and counselling, early years development, early education and care.

It includes a $78.17 million Capital Works Program to invest in road works, drainage, footpaths, community facilities, car parks, parks, buildings, including pavilion and cultural centre upgrades and more.

I’m happy that we’ll be continuing to provide waste services for the same price to residents, while investigating ways to improve the processing of recyclables with other neighbouring councils.

This budget proposes a rate increase of 2.5 per cent, in line with the State Government’s Fair Go Rates System.

Much of our investment in this year's Budget is about planning for a future population which is projected to exceed 185,000 by 2041.

We have also worked with the community, the State and Federal Governments, as well as other Councils in our region to secure additional funding for much-needed infrastructure projects such as walking and cycling trails and sporting pavilions, and investment in better community health and mental health services.

We welcome your comments on this draft Budget. Submissions can be made on our Have Your Say page on the Council website until 5.00pm on Thursday, 8 May.

Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Tony Stevenson