'Transformational' 2020/2021 Budget adopted

'Transformational' 2020/2021 Budget adopted

Published on 26 June 2020

Numerous projects that will rejuvenate the Gannawarra for future generations will proceed in the coming 12 months after Council adopted its 2020/2021 Budget at the June Ordinary Council meeting.

Council’s key financial document for the coming 12 months outlines how Council will spend the $37.7 million of revenue generated through rates, charges and grants during 2020/2021, with a $7.917 million surplus predicted.

“Council took to the community in April and May 2020 a Proposed Budget that promised a range of projects that were dependent on funding from outside sources,” Mayor Lorraine Learmonth said.

“During this time the State and Federal governments demonstrated their confidence in Council and its future direction by providing funding for projects that will revitalise the Gannawarra for its next generation.

“These projects form part of Council’s $17.5 million Capital Works program, which includes projects ranging from streetscape rejuvenations to road rehabilitations.”

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Major projects that will proceed in 2020/2021 thanks to support from the State and Federal governments include:

The $520,000 development of the Koondrook All Abilities Play Space (supported by $390,000 from the Victorian Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions); Stage 2 of the Kerang CBD Redevelopment (fully funded by a $1.318 million contribution from the Federal Government’s Local Roads Community Infrastructure Program); The $3.4 million Cohuna CBD and Waterfront Project (supported by $1.7 million from Regional Development Victoria, with $1.693 million devoted to works in 2020/2021); and The $1.3 million expansion of the Tate Drive Industrial Estate, Kerang (funded by $900,000 from Regional Development Victoria).

“Key community services will be funded as part of the 2020/2021 Budget, including community resilience efforts, Council’s popular community grants programs, our Community Care and NDIS services, libraries, children’s services and our popular arts and culture programs,” Mayor Learmonth said.

Council has also listened to the community’s concerns regarding the financial implications of COVID-19 on everyday costs, agreeing to increase the total revenue raised through municipal rates by 1.5 per cent – 0.5 per cent lower than the State Government’s Fair Go Rates System recommendation of 2 per cent.

“Council understands that the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting residents and businesses, with this reduction in the increase of the total revenue raised ensuring Council can provide financial relief whilst providing key services and completing major projects,” Mayor Learmonth said.

Residents had their opportunity to comment on the 2020/2021 Budget during a five-week public consultation period that due to Coronavirus-related social distancing measures, relied on the use of social media and digital communication to provide every opportunity for residents, ratepayers and community organisations to be aware of how this financial blueprint benefits their community, as well as how to respond.

“This extensive and innovative community engagement process also involved the distribution of digital information packs to contacts representing more than 200 community organisations, Progress Associations, Development Committees, schools, health providers and sporting clubs,” Mayor Learmonth said.

“The public comment period led to Council receiving 16 submissions, with four people choosing to speak to their submissions at a Council meeting held earlier this month.

“Council thanks the community for their input into the 2020/2021 Budget and looks forward to working together to implement the extensive projects and services outlined in the document.”