Annual Budget adopted

Bass Coast Shire Council adopted its 2019/20 Annual Budget and revised Council Plan 2017-2021 at last Wednesday’s Ordinary Council Meeting.

The Draft Budget was made available for public comment following the April Council Meeting, and 35 submissions were received. Of those, 15 were heard in person.

In response to submissions received from the community, there were a number of changes recommended for the final 2019/20 Budget.

These changes include:

  • Funding of $50,000 to start the planning stage for the upgrade of Shetland Heights and Potters Hill roads in San Remo. This funding is contingent on support from affected landowners;
  • Funding of $100,000 for the detailed design of the Cowes/Rhyll walking/bike path;
  • Funding of $30,000 to address wildlife roadkill on Phillip Island. This funding is conditional on Council being provided with a report on the efficacy of measures taken by the end of the 2019/20 financial year;
  • Funding of $80,000 towards the completion of the new Ventnor Community Hall.
  • Additional funding of $17,500 for roadside week management;
  • Funding of $4,000 for the Island Story Gatherers to obtain professional consultation for their festival; and
  • Funding of $50,000 to complete the design of the Norseman Road Improvement Plan.

Bass Coast Mayor, Councillor Brett Tessari, said the Budget shows Council is in a strong and sustainable financial position.

“Council can now get to work with delivering the $21.1 million Capital Works program outlined in the Budget, as well as other infrastructure projects across the Shire,” Cr Tessari said.

“There is money being spent Shire wide, which is a great outcome for the community.”

Cr Tessari said the Budget supports the delivery of over 100 services to our community, so it was great to see a high level of community engagement with the Budget process.

“It is important to get the community involved with the Budget process – as the final result effects everyone – ratepayers, visitors and businesses,” Cr Tessari said.

“It was really pleasing to see that from the 35 budget submissions we received, we were able to assist some of those with funding in the 2019/20 Budget.”

/Public Release. View in full here.