Proposed Budget to deliver key capital projects

Budget 2022-23

The Benalla Rural City Council has released a Proposed Budget for 2022/23 with a focus on significant capital works and infrastructure projects, identified as high priorities in the Council Plan.

The budget features a record $15 million Capital Works Program, with new capital works totalling $9 million and $6 million of works carried forward from 2021/22.

These new projects include:

  • road works $2.427 million
  • landfill rehabilitation $944,000
  • drainage works $573,000
  • footpaths $550,000
  • bridge maintenance $420,000
  • Benalla Town Hall improvements $300,000
  • funding of rural township projects $300,000.

It is proposed that capital projects will be funded by Council operations ($6.907 million), external grants ($7.242 million) and borrowings ($1 million).

Benalla Rural City Mayor Cr Bernie Hern said Council’s financial position was strong.

“Council’s tight fiscal management has enabled us to allocate a record spend on infrastructure projects and assets including our roads, open spaces and streetscapes,” Cr Hearn said.

The proposed 2022/23 operating budget forecasts a surplus of $1.071 million.

The budget will see total rates and charges revenue increase by 1.75 per cent in accordance with the State Government’s Fair Go Rates system.

Waste and recycling collection charges will increase by 5 per cent in 2022/23 raising $3.972 million.

Employee costs will decrease by 15 per cent to $12.129 million, primarily due to the Council not providing aged care and disability services from 1 July 2022.

The Council’s Financial Plan 2023-2032 has also been released for community feedback.

The plan provides a 10-year financial framework to support the delivery of services and capital projects in accordance with the Council Plan.

A community information session on both key financial documents will be held on Tuesday 3 May 2022 from 5pm at the Benalla Civic Centre.

Have your say on the proposed Budget available at haveyoursay.benalla.vic.gov.au and from the Council’s Customer Service Centre.

Written feedback on the proposed budget and draft financial plan will be accepted until 19 May 2022.

/Public Release. View in full here.