THE 2024/2025 council draft budget was released for community consultation at the April 17 council meeting, a budget put together under the third year of rate capping at a current rate increase of 2.75%, yet still containing a capital works program of $24.8 million which funds all community infrastructure.
Cr Michael Whelan addressed the council stating that it’s sufficient to say that this budget has been put together under difficult circumstances. It must be understood that it cuts the council’s ability to meet demand that is placed on council from ratepayers on a day-to-day basis.
“It’s a modest budget against some of our previous ones, but I commend it and believe that it’s a good effort given the circumstances of reduced income that we find ourselves in.”
Cr David Rooks too spoke to the draft budget sharing “we’re still producing an outstanding result, despite the inflation rate being higher than the rate cap.”
“I’m really pleased that we can continue to invest in the tracks and trails, and we’re continuing to expand the urban forest strategy with money going towards it again this year,” said David.
Despite economic challenging conditions, the councilors approved the draft budget to go to community consultation with feedback encouraged until May 16.
Cr Ron Bauer said he encourages every ratepayer to engage with council officers at the pop-up sessions and go through line-by-line, especially with fees and charges so they’re comfortable with approving the annual budget.
Attendance in the public gallery at the April meeting was thin with John Trigt and Graham Jolly questioning accountability and transparency as well as significant cost blowouts in various projects.
“An interesting thing that was said in the meeting is that they’ve been working on the budget for six months, we’re in April, so they started in November – when did they start asking the community what should go into the budget,” said Graham.
“If you set out a capital works project, all we want is for it to be done in that time and financially controlled properly. I’m paying rates for these projects. I want my lifestyle, livability, health, and well-being to be improved. And that’s the only way to do it,” he said.
During the April meeting, John Trigt put forward a public question, addressing the timing of council’s pop-up budget engagement sessions, asking why these sessions are held during the day between the hours of 10am and 2pm, with no evening sessions allowing working ratepayers or residents to attend.
Council CEO Greg Box responded that council has previously held evening consultation sessions on the budget and experienced very low attendance rates.
Community members can provide feedback on the draft 2024/25 budget in person at one of the advertised pop-up sessions.
* Tuesday, April 30 11am – 2pm. Berninneit Library.
* Thursday, May 2 12pm – 2:30pm. Wonthaggi Library.
* Tuesday, May 7 10am – 12:30pm. Inverloch Community Hub.
Community members who are unable to attend an engagement session are welcome to make an appointment with Council officers to meet at a convenient time.
Alternatively, to provide feedback on the draft budget 2024/25 online visit Annual Budget 2024-25 | Engage Bass Coast
