Residents are invited to provide feedback on Council’s Draft 2022-23 Budget, 2022-32 Long Term Financial Plan (LTFP) and 2022-32 Asset Plan, released at last night’s ordinary Council meeting.
The Budget, LTFP and Asset Plan are important strategic documents that support Council to sustainably manage its assets and finances over the next 10 years.
Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Bruach Colliton said each of the documents provide guidance for Council to identify and address community needs in both the immediate and long-term.
“The Asset Plan is a new requirement in the Local Government Act 2020. It outlines the management and maintenance plan for a diverse range of Council assets such as roads, playgrounds, transfer stations, signage, caravan parks, sport and recreation grounds, public toilets, Council facilities and more,” said Cr Colliton.
“The LTFP is a 10 year plan which identifies Council’s current and projected financial capacity to continue to deliver high quality services, facilities and infrastructure for our residents, while living within our means.
“The Budget is our 12 month outline of the financial and non-financial resources that Council needs to achieve the strategies of the 2021-25 Council Plan.
“These documents have been developed together to support Council’s long-term visions and aspirations for the community and we are now seeking feedback from the public on the drafts,” said Cr Colliton.
BUDGET 2022-23
In the 2022-23 budget, Council has continued to focus on delivering high quality services for the community while remaining conscious of the longer term financial impacts.
“Council understands the community has high expectations so it’s important that we continue to identify efficiencies and review all activities against community identified priorities,” said Cr Colliton.
The 2022-23 budget includes a number of key initiatives as identified in the Council Plan 2021-2025:
• Complete construction of the serviced industrial land on Port Fairy Road and commence sales.
• Develop a new Cultural Arts Strategy for the Shire to direct Council investment and deliver integrated programming across all townships and enrich community and civic life.
• Complete a Small Towns Strategy to provide clear direction on future planning and infrastructure priorities in each of the smaller towns within the Shire.
• Progress the new Hamilton Art Gallery Project.
• Complete detailed design of CBD as per adopted masterplan (2020) to enable construction in future years (subject to funding).
The total Capital Works program of over $29.4 million is a significant investment in roads, bridges, footpaths and associated infrastructure works. The program includes Government investment into projects which must be delivered to meet community and funding objectives.
Highlights of the Capital Works Program include:
• Continued investment into local roads, bridges and other Council owned infrastructure.
• Progress with the construction of an Intergenerational Playground at the Hamilton Botanic Gardens.
• Progress the redevelopment of the Melville Oval Precinct.
• Implement works associated with Council Buildings Asset Management Strategy.
For the 2022-23 year, the State Government has set the rate cap at 1.75% with the cap applying to both general rates and municipal charges.
Council’s draft Budget for 2022-23 proposes to increase rates in line with the State Government rate cap of 1.75%.
The municipal charge will increase from $206 to $209. Services charges will not increase this year.
Residents are encouraged to provide feedback on the draft documents and must do so in writing via the online survey before 12:00pm on 1 June 2022. Feedback can also be addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, Southern Grampians Shire Council, Locked Bag 685, Hamilton 3300 or [email protected].
Adoption of the Draft 2022-23 Budget, Long Term Financial Plan and Asset Plan will be considered on Wednesday 22 June 2022, taking into account feedback received.
The documents as well as the online survey can be viewed online at Council’s website www.sthgrampians.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay. Alternatively, a copy can be emailed or printed and posted if required by calling customer service on 5573 0444.
