Greater Shepparton Councillors agreed to release the 2017/2018 draft budget for community feedback earlier this week at the Ordinary Council Meeting.
Greater Shepparton Mayor Dinny Adem said this budget was financially responsible and put Council into a healthy financial position with the challenges around rate capping.
“Council delivers more than 150 services to our community and we need to achieve a balance between those services, the community desires and the funds available, which is an ongoing challenge,” Cr Adem said.
“This is your money and your community. I encourage you to take a look at the budget and make a submission. You can do this online, via the Council website, or write to us. If you want, you can choose to be heard in support of your submission at a Special Council meeting.”
This year the average rate rise will be two per cent. This is in line with the order by the Minister for Local Government under the Fair Go Rates System. Rates income is an important income stream that allows Council to maintain existing service levels, fund a number of new initiatives and continue to allocate additional funds to renew ageing infrastructure.
The total projected Capital Works program will be $37.33 million, of which highlights include:
- Cosgrove 3 landfill construction ($7.50 million)
- New Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) ($3.20 million)
- Balaclava/Verney/New Dookie Road Intersection ($2.33 million)
- Road Sealing Program Works ($1.87 million)
- Stage 1 Maude Street (Plaza/Bus Interchange) ($1 million)
Residents are encouraged to have their say on the draft budget. You can do this via a number of ways:
- Send an email to council@shepparton.vic.gov.au
- Use the online feedback form (consultation finished)
- Write to us at Locked Bag 1000, Shepparton, 3632
- Ask to have your submission heard (in person) at a Special Council Meeting
Feedback will be received until 5pm, Friday 19 May.
In addition, Council considered the Draft Rating Strategy 2017-2021. The rating strategy aims to achieve an equitable distribution of the rates burden and determines the share of rates revenue contributed by each property.
From 21 April 2017 to 5pm 19 May 2017 the Draft Rating Strategy 2017-2021 is also available for residents to inspect and have their say.
