Benalla Rural City Council adopted its 2023/24 Budget at the Council meeting held on Wednesday 28 June 2023.
The budget allocates a record $21.206 million for capital works in the 2023/24 financial year. Key projects funded include flood remediation works, the Benalla Art Gallery Redevelopment, waste management, and drainage works.
Benalla Rural City Mayor, Cr Bernie Hearn said the budget aims to address infrastructure needs and enhance the overall liveability of the municipality.
‘While acknowledging that some of this funding is carried over from the previous budget, $21 million is still a significant figure for an annual works program,’ Cr Hearn said.
‘In this program a total of $12 million has been allocated to improving the conditions of our roads, $185,000 to footpaths, $500,000 for bridge repairs and $1.182 million for drainage works.’
Capital grants for the financial year are projected to reach $14.356 million in 2023/24 including flood remediation works and $3 million in Victorian government funding going to the Benalla Art Gallery Redevelopment.
‘We are excited to be receiving $15 million in funding from the Victorian government to upgrade the Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre,’ Cr Hearn said adding that community consultation would begin soon on this project.
‘With this budget our greatest aim is to improve infrastructure and enhance the quality of life for residents while continuing to stay financially viable into the future.’
‘Throughout the budget development process, Council actively engaged with the community. The proposed budget was made available for public comment in a number of ways including at a community information session at the Benalla Lakeside Markets and through Council’s website,’ Cr Hearn said.
The 2023/24 Budget will see Rates and the Municipal Charge increase by 3.5 percent, aligning with the Victorian Government’s Fair Go Rate system rate cap.
‘This decision was made to ensure the Council’s long-term financial sustainability and support the municipality’s growth and infrastructure needs,’ Cr Hearn said.
The complete 2023/24 Budget, including the Schedule of Fees and Charges, can be accessed here.
