Key strategies adopted by Council

The strategies were adopted following three rounds of an extensive, seven-month community consultation process known as Imagine Cardinia. 

More than 1,600 contributions were received as part of the community engagement activities and contributed towards the development of the: 

Cardinia Shire Mayor Cr Brett Owen thanked the community for their input towards Imagining Cardinia. 

“I’d like to extend a huge thank you to our community and the Imagine Cardinia People’s Panel for their input and for helping to shape the future of their shire,” Mayor Owen said. 

“We’re proud that these four key plans will guide our strategic direction over the coming years and set us up to respond to long-term challenges and opportunities.” 

Mayor Owen said the budget, financial plan, and revenue and rating plan would enable Council to continue to meet community needs and deliver on the Council Plan priorities. 

“I’m proud of the commitment we’ve made in our budget to deliver a number of major projects across the shire, with funding in 2021-22 including $3.2m for the Officer District Park civil and building master plan, $4.2m for our new youth centre, $4.3m for the Timbertop Early Learning Centre, $4.1m for the Rix Road Early Learning Centre, and $1.2m for the IYU Recreation Reserve Athletics Facility,” he said. 

Mayor Owen said the Council Plan 2021–25 included the Community Vision 2040, which highlights the long-term aspirations of the community and was developed by the Imagine Cardinia People’s Panel of community members.  

“The contributions and input received as part of the community engagement process helped shape the community vision, which in turn guided the development of the Council Plan,” Mayor Owen said. 

“We’ll deliver on our vision by focusing our efforts on our Council Plan priorities to foster strong communities, liveable places, thriving environments and prosperous economies, and to be responsible leaders.” 

Mayor Owen said the Council Budget 2021–25 includes a significant capital works program of $98 million for 2021–22 and almost $319 million earmarked for capital works between 2021–25. 

“Our budget, financial plan and revenue and rating plan reflect our commitment to responsible financial management while continuing to deliver vital community services and infrastructure to our community,” he said. 

“Highlights of our capital works program for 2021-22 include $50 million for roads, drains, footpaths, off-street car parks and other infrastructure, more than $36 million to construct and upgrade buildings such as sporting pavilions, and more than $12 million for infrastructure works including recreation, leisure and community facilities and parks, open spaces and streetscapes. 

“We’ve also maintained a strong commitment to community services such as libraries, maternal and child health, safe and inclusive communities, and youth services. 

“I’m proud that we will be able to deliver all of this while keeping to the Victorian Government’s rate cap of 1.5 per cent.” 

Mayor Owen said Council looked forward to delivering on these four key plans and continuing to support the needs of the community. 

“We’re truly thankful to the People’s Panel and everyone who provided input throughout the engagement process. 

“These plans will ensure we continue to deliver the right services, facilities and infrastructure to our diverse community with its blend of ages, abilities and cultural backgrounds.  

“Through these plans, we aim to build a shire that remains a great place to live, work and play well into the future.” 

For more info and to view the documents: www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/budgetandcouncilplan