Building on our strengths, key message in Proposed 2017/18 Budget

Published on 20 April 2017

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BUILDING ON OUR STRENGTHS, KEY MESSAGE IN PROPOSED 2017/18 BUDGET

Media Release

Gannawarra Shire Council is inviting the community to comment on its Proposed 2017/18 Budget which is now on public exhibition.

Gannawarra Mayor Brian Gibson said this was the first Budget process for the new Council group.

“We have been fortunate that we have been able to work together to propose a Budget that builds on our strengths and sets an achievable direction for the next 12 months,” he said.

“The Proposed Budget is structured around the Strategic Objectives outlined in the Council Plan to ensure that we can financially resource these objectives.”

Gannawarra Shire Council proposes to invest $9.084 million into its Capital Works program, which combines a mixture of external grant funding and Council cash reserves. Highlights of the Capital Works program included in the Proposed Budget include:

  • $750,000 Koondrook Nature Based Tourism Hub (subject to securing grant funding of $600,000)

  • $250,000 Sport, recreation and leisure program

  • $70,000 Lakes and waterways master plan preparation

  • $30,000 Kerang Lakes foreshore master plan development

  • $180,000 Apex Park Cohuna toilets

  • $110,000 Irrigation installation, Bendigo Road, Kerang

  • $120,000 Bulk Solar installations

  • $1.00 million Sealed road rehabilitation program (fully funded by R2R)

  • $1.010 million Gravel re-sheeting program ($910,000 grant funding)

  • $835,000 Bitumen road reseals

  • $327,000 Footpaths, tracks and trails – replacement and extension

  • $125,000 Local Roads to Market

  • $1.325 million Plant and vehicle replacement

  • $312,000 Waste Management including Old Kerang landfill capping, transfer station upgrade and completion of Denyer’s Cell 3

  • $500,000 Quambatook Township Flood Mitigation (subject to securing grant funding of $250,000)

  • $350,000 Completion of Kerang CBD Streetscape ($100,000 grant funding)

  • $350,000 Koondrook Caravan Park Roads and Drainage upgrade

  • $75,000 Cohuna Caravan Park Hydrants

  • $125,000 Swimming Pool Renewal Program

 In addition, continual support for key community services has a commitment in the Proposed Budget including:

  • Libraries and Arts/Culture $692,000

  • Roads, Bridges and Footpaths maintenance $6.330 million

  • Children’s and youth services $3.865 million

  • Recreation (parks, reserves and pools) $2.682 million

  • Rubbish and recycling services $1.677 million

  • Community care $2.136 million

  • Tourism and economic development initiatives $910,000

  • Community facilities incl. halls, buildings $948,000

Mayor Gibson reminds ratepayers that under the Fair Go Rates System, total revenue that can be raised is capped at 2%.

“Rate capping is now in effect and applies to general rates and municipal charge. It does not apply to waste management charges such as kerbside garbage and recycling.”

“As a result of rate capping, Council has had to be very strategic in our budget.”

“Obviously Council would like to deliver above and beyond for our community, however in the current financial climate we have to be fiscally responsible and ensure that we are practical and set achievable gaols for the entire municipality,” he said.

Copies of the Proposed 2017/18 Budget are available for inspection at the offices of the Gannawarra Shire Council located at 47 Victoria Street, Kerang and 23-25 King Edward Street, Cohuna from Friday 21 April 2017 to the close of business Monday 29 May 2017. Copies may also be inspected on Council’s website at www.gannawarra.vic.gov.au.

Written submissions on the Proposed 2017/18 Budget will be accepted up until 5pm Monday 29 May 2017.

For more information please contact Council on 5450 9333 or visit council’s website www.gannawarra.vic.gov.au

…ENDS…

Date: 20 April 2017

Media contact: Katrina Thorne T. 03 5450 9333 M. 0409 616 627

 

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