LAST week’s SGST editorial raised important points about the priorities reflected in our Council plans. It urged readers to “consider voting for candidates who focus on practical solutions rather than personal ideologies that waste time and taxpayer money.”
As we approach the upcoming Victorian local government elections, the popular theme of “Back to Basics” has emerged across the state. But what does this really mean for Bass Coast residents and ratepayers – whether owner-occupiers, non-resident owners, farmers, or businesses?
The primary role of the Council is to sustainably deliver essential core services that residents expect, maintain our billion-dollar asset portfolio, plan for future needs, and manage borrowings – all while minimising expenses to ratepayers. This is the essence of the “basics.”
Beyond what is necessary, additional funding is needed to enhance neighbourhood amenities, improve liveability, support local businesses, and advocate for issues that may fall outside the
Council’s direct responsibilities.
Council funding primarily comes from rates revenue, supplemented by grants. With capped rate increases, revenue often fails to keep pace with inflation, further constraining resources available for service delivery and asset investment.
Consequently, the Council must critically evaluate its expanding list of services against the resources available to deliver them effectively. This includes assessing the value of existing community assets and the investment needed for new developments.
While many innovative ideas are proposed to the Council, they rarely include sustainable financing plans for the future. This highlights the importance of prioritising spending to ensure long-term sustainability while living within our means. The community must engage in discussions about how much they are willing to invest beyond the basics and how those costs should be distributed.
It’s time for a meaningful dialogue between the Council and the community about our choices and how to sustainably fund them.
Brian O’Farrell, Candidate for Western Port Ward
