Draft Budget and Draft Financial Sustainability Strategy
Consultation has concluded
The Consultation period has concluded, the draft budget and financial sustainability strategy will be considered for adoption at the Council meeting on 25 June 2024.
Draft Budget 2024 - 2025
Every year, Council develops a budget that implements the key objectives of the Council Plan 2021-2025 as well as our commitment to deliver more than 36 services for the community.
The Draft Council Budget 2024-2025 was developed after much deliberation and consideration. Rising interest rates and the cost of living is having an impact on everyone - and Council isn't immune to these challenges either.
The Victorian Government has enforced a 2.75% rate cap - given it's well below the increase in our actual costs it's been tricky for us to find a balance between financial sustainability and the wants and needs of our community.
Despite these challenges we have developed a budget that continues to support our community.
We'll continue to deliver the 36 services you know and love - such as libraries, playgrounds, waste collection, parks and gardens just to name a few.
We'll also deliver a $13.7 million capital works program and spend $3.85 million on upgrading and renewing our roads.
We have also left enough room in our budget so that if we are successful with the many grant applications we are awaiting the outcome of, we'll have the funds to seize these opportunities and make them happen.
Draft Financial Sustainability Strategy
Over the past few years there has been a large difference between actual CPI and the rate cap. This has begun to have an impact and so in response we have developed the Draft Financial Sustainability Strategy.
Whilst we are still in a steady financial situation, there are signs of financial stress that we need to address early to ensure our financial health remains strong well into the future.
The Strategy will guide Council on how to best manage our resources for the long-term in the best interests of our community.