Draft budget released by council

IT WAS a reasonably uneventful Bass Coast Shire Council Meeting on Wednesday with three apologies from Councillors Brett Tessari, Leticia Laing and Les Larke.

Aside from Councillor Bruce Kent dialling in remotely remaining councillors were in attendance at the Council Chambers alongside Bass Coast Shire CEO Ali Wastie.

Of most significance was the decision to release the Draft 2023/2024 Budget for community consultation.

The recommendation, which was unanimously passed by all councillors in attendance, motioned by Cr Le Serve and seconded by Cr Rooks, releases three documents in one – the draft 2023/24

Budget, the draft Annual Action Plan 2023/24 and the draft Council Fees and Charges 2023/24. 

Mayor Michael Whelan was also clear in pushing for residents to have their say stating “I just want to encourage the community to attend the engagement sessions. This is an exposure draft of the budget and it’s the community’s opportunity to provide input.”

Feedback on the three drafts is open until May 15.

Separate to the Council Meeting, The Sentinel Times spoke with Mayor Michael Whelan and CEO Ali Wastie regarding the increased impact and pressure tourism is having on the local shire, particularly in light of their increasing staff and running costs, and whether the state government is providing sufficient financial support.

“It’s right across the board in terms of the services we deliver around the community,” Ms Wastie stated.

“Year on year there have been successive budget cuts from the state government. This doesn’t just impact our tourism economy, but all services we provide – recreation, youth services, etc.

“As the report said, we’ve continued to maintain our level of services and our level of assets, but it’s a constant challenge.”

With proposed debt levels nearing $30 million, the Bass Coast community can rest assured that the Council is in a financially viable position according to the CEO.

“This number has come down significantly from what we forecast last year, which was over $40 million. The council continues to pay down (debt) and we’re well within the VAGO indicators for financial stability.”

And as for the Cowes Cultural Centre “it’s on time, on track and on budget.” A design and construct, Ms Wastie assured the price was locked in.

Your say 

The 2023/24 Draft Budget, Draft Annual Action Plan 2023/24 and Draft Fees and Charges 2023/24 can be downloaded from Council’s website at www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/budget.

Sessions will be held Tuesday, May 2 in Grantville and Cowes and Tuesday, May 9 in Inverloch and Wonthaggi.

The submission period will close at 5.00pm on Monday, May 15 and submissions will be considered by Council on Wednesday, 24 May.

If you wish to present your submission to Council, please indicate where prompted in the online submission form. Presenters will be provided a five-minute allocation on Wednesday, May 24. A specific time allocation will be confirmed via phone, following the completion of your submission.

The Final 2023/24 Budget, Draft Annual Action Plan 2023/24 and Draft Fees and Charges 2023/24 will be presented at the Meeting on Wednesday, 21 June.