South Gippsland Shire community members are encouraged to have a say on how their rates are spent, with a period of community engagement running until Sunday May 5 to comment on council’s Proposed Budget 2024/25 – 2027/28 and Long-Term Financial Plan
The draft documents were endorsed for public feedback at Wednesday’s council meeting, with council confident they provide it with a financially sound foundation to deliver services to its communities while achieving strategic priorities outlined in the Council Plan.
“The budget and financial plan provide long-term sustainability, and a framework for the incoming council to build upon, whilst introducing a number of new initiatives to meet community needs,” council stated.
This year’s proposed budget initiatives include:
- $300,000 for Building Maintenance to address crucial maintenance needs including safety and functionality of community buildings.
- $160,000 for Roadside Drainage Maintenance Spraying to enhance roadside maintenance efforts including road pavement and proper drainage.
- $50,000 for a Memorandum of Understanding with South Gippsland Landcare to establish a partnership to bolster land management efforts, focusing on weed control and biodiversity preservation.
- $30,000 for the Live4Life Program to support mental health education and suicide prevention for rural youth, addressing commitment to community well-being.
- $50,000 to commence the implementation of outcomes from the Coal Creek Strategic Plan in line with council’s upcoming decision on the Korumburra tourist attraction’s future.
- $60,000 for the Community Leadership Program, empowering community members to foster skills development, leadership and community betterment.
- $70,000 to plan for the impacts on South Gippsland Shire of the emerging renewable energy industry and to ensure the shire can take advantage of opportunities and mitigate risk.
These initiatives are in addition to a proposed capital works program totalling just over $36.3 million, which includes annual road and footpath renewal works and an array of community-based infrastructure projects.
Council CEO Kerryn Ellis highlighted the need for financial responsibility and the challenges presented by the imposed rate cap of 2.75 percent for the coming financial year, well below the Consumer Price Index, and the continued shifting of costs from the Victorian Government to local governments.
She also noted the proposed annual budget is designed to take account of the financial pressures facing South Gippsland Shire residents in the current economic climate.
Despite these challenges, the annual budget shows a combined income of $94.363M and an underlying surplus of $4.775M, with Ms Ellis maintaining council is in a strong financial position.
Mayor Clare Williams provided her thoughts on the important financial documents now open to comment.
“Our focus remains on investing into initiatives that will benefit our community now and into the future and the Budget and Long-Term Financial Plan reflect council’s commitment to building a financially sustainable South Gippsland while aligning with the aspirations and needs of the community,” mayor Clare Williams said.
Now is your chance to let council know if you agree with its financial priorities.
Feedback on the Proposed Budget and Long-Term Financial Plan can be provided from now until Sunday May 5 at yoursay.southgippsland.vic.gov.au
