Colac Otway Focuses on Services, Sustainability and Growth

Published on 30 April 2021

More sustainable waste collection services, the transition to increased and improved library services, and community infrastructure projects are key components of the 2021-22 Colac Otway Shire Draft Budget.

Colac Otway community members are encouraged to provide feedback on the Draft Budget which will deliver $13.6 million in capital funding and support the quality delivery of Council’s diverse services.

Colac Otway Mayor Cr Kate Hanson says the draft Budget will go on public exhibition from Friday until the end of May, providing residents and ratepayers for an opportunity to make submissions and share their views before the Budget is adopted.

“The 2021-22 Budget aims to provide a strong, strategic base for our community’s future growth and pandemic recovery,” Cr Hanson said.

“Councillors have worked together with the support of management and staff, and consideration of community input to develop a budget which enables the delivery of important Council services and meets community expectations, with a focus on sustainability, infrastructure and balancing long-term financial management with community expectations.

“The 2021-22 Draft Budget includes an average rate increase capped at 1.5%, in line with the Victorian Government’s Fair Go Rates System,” Cr Hanson said.  

The 1.5% rate rise equates to an average increase in general rates and municipal charge of about $27 a year, ie the 2020-21 average general rates and municipal charge will increase from approximately $1,832 to $1,859 in 2021-22. 

“The 2021-22 Budget will allow Council to deliver $13.6 million in capital works projects including almost $7 million for roads and bridges.

“The Budget allocates $500,000 for major changes to Colac Otway Shire’s kerbside recycling service including the introduction of a fourth bin for households to separate glass from other recyclable material and associated upgrades at transfer stations.

“Funding for development of the Deans Creek Precinct Structure Plan will be a key project to support Colac’s residential growth, while improved library services through the transition to Geelong Regional Library Corporation, and improved sports infrastructure are also highlights of the Budget.”

Key projects in the 2021-22 Budget include:

• Fourth bin for kerbside collection to accommodate glass - $450k

• Transition to Geelong Regional Library $200k

• Deans Creek Precinct Structure Plan $225k

• Future Project Design and Scoping program $210k

• Waste Transfer Station Upgrades for Glass Separation $150k

• Closed Landfill aftercare management plan $135k

• Cyber security managed service $115k

The $13.6m Capital Works Budget includes:

• Local Sports Lighting Infrastructure $2.7m

• Sealed road reconstruction program $2.6m

• Unsealed road reconstruction program $1.4m

• Heavy Plant replacement $1.3m

• Sealed road resealing program $1.2m

• Bridge Upgrade program $900k

• Light Fleet Replacement $760k

• Bridge rehabilitation program $540k

• Building upgrade program $522k

• Stormwater Program $350k

• Road Slip Rehabilitation Program $270k

• Footpath renewal $127k

• Footpath extension $105k

• Building renewal program $100k

Council has retained its existing rating structure in the development of its 2021-22 draft Budget and has committed to a detailed review of the Revenue and Rating Plan during 2021-22 to inform the 2022-23 Budget.

The draft 2021-22 Budget, prepared in accordance with the Local Government Act 2020, was endorsed for public exhibition at Council’s April meeting.

Community members can view the draft Budget and make a submission via Council’s website, or in writing. Full details are available at www.colacotway.vic.gov.au/Community-Consultations     

All submissions must be received by Council by 12 midday on Thursday 31 May 2021.