Corangamite Shire residents can read all about what Council has done in the past year after the annual report was endorsed at the October Council meeting.
“The Annual Report 2022-2023 provides an overview of the highlights and challenges for our Shire,” Mayor Ruth Gstrein said.
“It includes Council’s performance results measured against the Council Plan, Annual Action Plan, Budget and prescribed performance indicators.
“I encourage everyone in our community to read the report this, and every year.
“It will tell you how Council invests your rates and how it looks after the towns and regional areas you live in.”
“The organisation has had a very productive year: 39 actions were identified along with 50 key initiatives in the annual action plan and, pleasingly, 90% of this work was completed.
“Two long-term major projects were started with the Twelve Apostles Trail from Timboon to Port Campbell well under construction and currently reaching completion and the long-awaited redevelopment of Port Campbell Town Centre began with footpath works in Morris and Tregea streets.
“An additional $800,000 was supplied to Council initiatives in climate change including the appointment of a Climate Change and Emissions Reduction Officer.”
Cr Gstrein said Council had continued work to address the lack of key worker housing, including subdividing Council land in Timboon and private land in Simpson with significant funding from the State Government.
The Mayor said Council had maintained a strong financial position.
“Carry-over projects from 2021-22 and early payment of Financial Assistance Grants have skewed the bottom line. These funds were committed to projects which were in part carried out in the 22-23 financial year; a fair proportion being for the rail train and town revitalisation projects in Port Campbell.
“In light of changes to the federal funding model for aged care, the Council made the very difficult decision to withdraw from providing this service. I’m grateful to our Community Services staff who handled this situation with excellent communication and genuine empathy for over 500 clients and 36 staff and have made this transition as smooth as possible.
“Again, the township of Skipton faced flooding in October. Commissioning of flood gauges further upstream on Mount Emu Creek meant there was accurate modelling of flood levels with additional time to prepare. Once again it was all hands on deck and this amazing little community came together and supported each other. Council staff were also part of pre-flood operations and importantly in the clean-up following.
“Immediately we identified 57 damaged road sections and 22 bridges and major culverts were in need of repair. As of 30 June this year, 80% of these works are completed.
“Rising costs access to materials staff and contractors have had major impacts on the organisation, however, our staff have been able to be agile and creative in taking this challenge head on.”
The report is available at corangamite.vic.gov.au/Annual-Report and printed copies are available on request from 5593 7100.
