Colac Otway Shire Council has welcomed the State Government’s decision to extend the deadline by up to two months for the adoption of Council budgets and annual reports, in response to the COVID-19 situation.
Council Chief Executive Peter Brown said while Colac Otway would not necessarily delay the adoption of the budget or annual report for a full two months, a deadline extension would certainly relieve pressure on Council’s current workload.
“Colac Otway has continued to operate as normally as possible in these challenging times, while undertaking closures and restrictions as advised by State and Federal governments.
“However there have concerns regarding how Council could deliver a budget by 30 June during these uncertain times without a clear direction of what the financial impact of the COVID-19 crisis would be on Council resources and operations,” Mr Brown said.
“Council postponed its March Council meeting, which was scheduled to be held in Apollo Bay, because of an inability to meet physically distancing requirements at the Senior Citizen’s Centre and Council was also able to delay decisions on the agenda items without a significant impact on operations.
“Colac Otway successfully trialled live streaming of its Planning Meeting last week, with submitters able to phone in for verbal presentations.
“Councillors and officers have continued to attend or phone in to briefings and Colac Otway will hold its scheduled April Ordinary Council Meeting on Wednesday, March 22.
“Council is continuing to make decisions for our community, and working diligently on the development of a financially responsible and equitable draft budget – which will require substantial adjustments than anticipated before the crisis hit.
“However the budget’s extended deadline, from 30 June to 31 August, could provide an opportunity to remain focused on supporting our community through the COVID-19 situation, particularly with the current restrictions in place and no expectation on when they will lift,” he said.
“The extension of the annual report adoption to November 30 may also allow Colac Otway more time for other important operations and a focus on our community’s needs during this difficult time for everyone.”
