Council’s 2021 bold plans a winner with the community

Ararat Rural City kicked off a series of face-to-face community information sessions on the draft 2021/22 Budget, Community Vision and Revenue and Rating Plan last week, with Mayor and Councillors there to hear directly from the community.

Starting in Tatyoon, the proposed Budget received ticks of approval on several measures, including overwhelming support to deliver a 1.5% rate cut and record investment in road upgrades. 

Other consultations occurred in Elmhurst, Ararat and Lake Bolac.

Ararat Rural City chief executive Dr Tim Harrison said it was great to see such a strong turnout from the community and that overwhelmingly, the direction we’re heading in was very well received.

“People have responded well to our new, simplified approach on how we communicate with our ratepayers,” said Dr Harrison.

“Council’s Budget and plans have been made more succinct, improving transparency by illustrating how rates are being spent and measures with clear targets for council performance.”

Dr Harrison reassured audiences that Council can achieve the goal of spending less through organisational efficiency, without affecting the delivery of Council services.   

“We continuing to deliver record investment in infrastructure, and we are able to achieve this by continuing to spend less on Council operations through organisational efficiency,” he said.

Mayor Jo Armstrong highlighted a reduction in local community fees across the municipality, this includes reduced venue hire fees for public spaces such as the Town Hall, Alexandra Oval, Community Centre and Gum San Great Hall. 

The Mayor also noted that Council is not lifting our municipal charge, waste collection fees remain the same and parking meter fees are to be abolished. 

“We've stayed the course on reform, transforming Council into a lean and efficient organisation that concentrates on getting value for money for the people it represents,” said Cr Armstrong.

“Council aims to modernise community facilities, making them more inclusive for local clubs and residents. This includes upgrades for the Buangor Recreation Reserve, Lake Bolac Complex and refurbishment at Ararat Library. 

“We’re continuing our record level of investment in vital capital works projects to upgrade and renew local roads and bridges totalling to $13.017 million.”

A number of residents commented on the new approach and said it was good to see Council run like a business. Another resident appreciated the sheer honesty and transparency you get from Council.

One resident enquired about valuations of Victoria’s agricultural land. 

“Council is always seeking ways to achieve fairness and consistency in sharing the rates burden across all ratepayers,” said Cr Armstrong.

“Last year, there was a 30% increase in farm valuations, this year we’ll see a 40% increase - we’ve used the differential as a lever to achieve rating burden consistency. This has been disproportionate to other rating sectors, where values have been more stable over the same period.”

Another resident commented on the need to prioritise education in our region, saying the quality of schools needs a lift.  

Council’s partnership with Federation University Australia to secure the Ararat Jobs and Technology Precinct returns higher education to Ararat and offers an opportunity to bolster vocational training in our secondary schools.

“We’re the only town of our size in Australia with a dedicated research facility,” said Dr Harrison.

Another topic that surfaced was the need to explore public private partnerships to secure housing construction to support job and population growth. 

“Council is doing our best to continue creating jobs, housing and delivering a record spend on infrastructure,” he concluded.