I was pleased to see Council’s 2019-20 Budget adopted in late June, after being put out for feedback earlier this year.
When it comes to our annual budget, there’s so much more in there than just roads, rates and rubbish.
Our communities are inclusive and diverse, made up of people at all stages of life. The fact is that, through your life, you’ll need different kinds of support.
At Yarra Ranges, we’re here to assist you and your family, no matter what stage you’re at.
Whether you use our Maternal and Child Health services or preschools for your young ones, visit our libraries to discover (or re-discover) a love of reading, take part in our Youth team’s School Holiday Program or visit one of our many parks, pools or playspaces, there are more than 120 services that Council provides to community members of all ages, backgrounds and interests.
In this year’s Budget, we’ve been able to provide $3.9m for libraries, $1.5m for youth mental health and counselling, participation and engagement, $1.6m for maternal and child health and immunisation services, $1.6m for services and programs to increase participation in arts, culture and heritage and $1.8m for maintaining aquatic facilities, all while meeting the State Government’s rate cap.
The 2.5 per cent rate cap applies to the Yarra Ranges’ rate revenue as a whole, so it’s important to remember that, depending on your property valuations, some ratepayers will have an increase of less than 2.5 per cent this year, while others may face larger increases.
We’ve been able to negotiate a cheaper price for processing recyclables from kerbside collection, so this year’s waste charge will stay the same.
I’m also pleased to say that, despite recent pressures on the recycling industry, no recyclables collected in Yarra Ranges will go to landfill.
We will continue to work with all levels of government and recyclers to solve some of the long-term issues facing the industry.
We’ve also been working to refresh and update the Council website, so it’ll be easier for you to find the services you’re looking for when you need them.
Keep an eye on our website and stay tuned.
Richard Higgins
Acting Mayor of Yarra Ranges
