Have Your Say on Draft 2019/20 Budget

Published on 30 April 2019

Baw Baw Shire Council has endorsed the draft 2019/20 Budget and is inviting the community to have their say.

The Annual Budget is an integral part of Council’s overall strategic framework and endeavours to resource the objectives, priorities, projects and services in the Council Plan 2017-2021.

This draft Budget is the third Annual Budget in Council’s four-year term representing an income of $96.9 million and expenditure of $79.6 million, resulting in a surplus of $17.3 million.

This draft Budget lays the groundwork for the delivery of up to $32.7 million in key strategic, intergenerational projects for the community over the next three years.

For 2019/20 specifically, an investment of $32.3 million is proposed towards capital works - $28.03 million in new works plus $4.3 million project carry overs.

Of this, $7.3 million is proposed for the delivery of individual projects and major design works to position Council to apply for external funding for the major projects including:

$12.1 million is proposed for infrastructure renewal and $8.7 million for general infrastructure works covering roads, carparks, paths, bridges, buildings, stormwater, recreation and open space improvements.

A significant review of the Long Term Infrastructure Plan and Capital Works Program better positions Council to plan, seek external funding for, and deliver these major strategic intergenerational infrastructure projects to serve the growing community well into the future.

In addition to major capital works projects, new operating initiatives include providing for new waste initiatives, including a new waste management plan, increased maternal child health services for those with special needs, additional funding for tourism events in the Shire, additional costs associated with panel hearings, extra planning and compliance resourcing and increased resourcing for open space as demand increases.

The full draft 2019/20 Budget, Council Plan annual review and associated key documents are now available for community review at www.bawbawshire.vic.gov.au/HaveYourSay

Feedback is open until 5.00pm Friday 24 May 2019. Feedback can be provided via the online surveys, or in person at 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 5 June at the West Gippsland Art Centre. Submitters may speak to their submission if they request this in advance.

“We’re proud to present the draft 2019/20 Budget to the community for review. This draft Budget focuses on delivering quality services to the community through a combination of existing programs, new initiatives and an extensive $32.3 million capital works program.”

“Through this draft budget, Council continues to navigate challenges including rapid population growth and critical infrastructure renewal requirements – all within constraints of the Victorian Government’s Fair Go Rates System of capping rates revenue at 2.5 per cent.”

“Overall, the draft 2019/20 Budget remains in surplus, reflecting Council’s strong and sustainable financial position and responsible use of ratepayer funds.”

“Preliminary consultation held in December 2018 asked the community to list the top three priorities for inclusion in the next annual budget. We heard a strong desire to improve quality of existing buildings, facilities, roads and intersections, bridges, open spaces and footpaths to improve walkable townships across the Shire. We also heard a desire for increased investment in road safety initiatives, specifically towards major improvements to dangerous intersections.”

“We’ve taken this feedback on board and incorporated these priorities into the draft 2019/20 Budget. We’re now asking residents to review the draft to ensure it meets community aspirations and expectations. Feedback is welcomed over the next month and we highly encourage everyone to review it and be part of shaping the year ahead for Baw Baw Shire Council.”