Alpine Shire Council adopts exciting 2022/23 Budget

Council adopted a new annual budget at its June meeting, locking in an $18.84 million capital works budget and making a strong commitment to supporting the community in a changing environment.

Alpine Shire Mayor Sarah Nicholas said the budget strikes a balance between careful financial choices and essential growth.

“As we move through the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic and begin to learn what the future may look like, it’s important to make considered decisions as we support our community through this next phase,” she said.

“We are in the exciting position to deliver an incredible $18.84 million in capital works this year, made possible through supporting Government funding of over $8m.

“This budget also continues to support communities through the delivery of high quality programs, services and facilities.”

Cr Nicholas said the budget includes a rate increase of 1.75% for 2022/23, in line with the Fair Go Rates System, which caps Victorian Council rate increases in line with inflation.

“We recognise the widely publicised squeeze on cost of living expenses for many at the moment and we are not seeking to add undue pressure on our communities,” she said.

“Further details about how the rates collected are spent among the many Council services will be available with rates notices in late July and early August.

“The choices we make now will define our financial position well into the future, impact our ability to respond to and recover from emergencies and determine our capacity to adjust to increasing costs.

“This budget strikes a considered balance between keeping rates low and ensuring we can remain sustainable.”

If you are having trouble paying your rates, support is available. Contact Customer Service on 5755 0555 for a confidential conversation on how Council can assist.

View the Budget at https://www.alpineshire.vic.gov.au/council/our-council/corporate-plans-and-reports.