Greater Shepparton 2023/2024 Draft Budget open for community feedback

The Draft Budget will be available on Council’s Shaping Greater Shepp website from Friday 21 April until Thursday 18 May 2023, and community members have the opportunity to provide their submissions on the document during this time.

The Budget sets where Council will allocate funding for the provision of capital works and delivery of services for the next financial year. Feedback on the Draft Budget is encouraged and welcomed. The community can influence the allocation of funds for future years by making a submission to Council on what services, programs and facilities they would like to see funded.

Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said the 2023/2024 Draft Budget takes into account the activities and initiatives which contribute to achieving the strategic objectives specified in the 2021-2025 Council Plan and 2021-2031 Financial Plan.

“The Budget outlines the broad range of services provided by Council from children and family services, parks and open space, urban planning, community facilities, leisure facilities and so much more. It also details the funding that is required to deliver these services and maintain community infrastructure for years to come,” he said.

“The Draft Budget proposes a capital works program of $51.1 million which focuses on investing in our existing assets, with 69 per cent of the capital works program to be spent on upgrade and renewal projects. This includes $9.83 million on road renewal and $2.68 million for the Shepparton Resource Recovery Centre Upgrade.”

The 2023/2024 Draft Budget proposes a rate increase of 3.5 per cent. Cr Sali said the budget allocations, including this rate cap, were carefully considered to assist the region in its continued growth.

“We have aimed to provide a budget for the community that allows us to continue completing important infrastructure upgrades across the region and continue investing into the sporting and cultural events we all know and love, like the BMX, International Dairy Week and Converge on the Goulburn,” he said.

“The 2023/2024 Draft Budget has looked at all the ways we can continue supporting our sporting groups, community clubs and local organisations to ensure the entire region is best supported for the next financial year.”

The 2023/2024 Draft Budget also addresses the October 2022 flood event and Council’s responsibilities in assisting the community through its continued recovery. The floods caused significant damage to Council assets including buildings, roads, recreation and leisure.

Council is now investing $2.97 million into drainage renewal and upgrade works, which includes the Margaret Street Pump Station Upgrade in Tatura and Lenne Street Flood Investigation and Design. Purchase of a new Portable Stormwater Pump is also outlined for this financial year.

With the document now ready for community feedback and input, Cr Sali encouraged locals to speak up and have their say.

“This is a great opportunity for community members to have their say on the budget and how it is being allocated. Council has continued to receive valuable feedback from our community each year regarding budget allocations and we know that this year will be no exception,” he said.

“Over the years, Council has actioned this feedback in supporting such projects as the Aquamoves outdoor pool heating, Hastie Street Tatura pedestrian crossing and Tatura Museum Extension. “We value what our community has to say and I encourage everyone to take this time to provide a submission. Now is the opportunity to provide feedback and suggestions for future years. We want to hear from you.”

Community submissions are open until 5pm on Thursday 18 May 2023.

Submissions can be made from Friday morning:

The public submissions received will be heard and considered by Council at a Special Council Meeting to be scheduled at a later date. For further information, contact Council on (03) 5832 9700.

To obtain a copy of the draft budget, visit the project page on Shaping Greater Shepp.