The 2023/2024 Budget has a strong focus on protecting the community and ensuring ongoing resilience, following a recent tough year due to floods and other community pressures. Council adopted the Budget on Tuesday which outlines the most practical way forward for the next financial year to ensure the region’s continued success and prosperity.
Council initially developed a 2023/2024 Draft Budget which was released to the public for review over four weeks during April and May this year. It followed previous community consultation in November and December 2022 which helped Council develop an initial understanding of the needs and desires of the community and where they would like to see funds allocated, prior to the Budget being drafted.
Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, acknowledged how important this feedback process was in the development of the annual Budget.
“Community feedback and consultation is an important step in the annual Budget process. A big thank you to everyone who took the time to provide their feedback prior to the Budget being drafted last year and again earlier this year when the Draft Budget was on public display,” he said.
Following the devastating floods in October 2022, Council is focused on protecting the community from future flooding and ensuring the region’s infrastructure is able to withstand a similar emergency event. With this in mind, Council allocated $16.52 million in the 2023/2024 Budget for repairing flood damaged roads, with this sum to be fully funded. Additionally, $2.42 million is allocated to upgrading the Margaret Street Pump Station in Tatura, and $200,000 is allocated for investigation and design improvements to Lenne Street drainage in Mooroopna.
“$300,000 is also earmarked in the adopted Budget for the purchase of a portable storm water pump to ensure we have the appropriate equipment on hand to overcome any future emergencies,” Cr Sali said.
“Council’s commitment to protection also extends to the provision of community flood studies, emergency management plans and operations, and the continued maintenance of CCTV throughout the region.”
The 2023/2024 Budget includes a capital works program of $64.15 million which will continue to focus on investing in the region’s existing assets, with 75 per cent of the capital works program to be spent on upgrade and renewal projects. This includes $26.35 million on road renewal and $2.68 million for the Shepparton Resource Recovery Centre Upgrade.
The Budget also works to address Council’s 2030 Zero Emissions Strategy which is at the forefront of Council’s operating expenditure. This includes $750,000 of capital funding which is allocated to projects including gas removal from Council sites, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, changeover of small plant and increasing recycled content in roads and pavements.
The 2023/2024 Budget also highlights Council’s focus to ensure no one is left behind. Many actions in the Budget align with different Council plans which aim to ensure community inclusion, unity and safety, including the Universal Access and Inclusion Plan, Positive Ageing Strategy, Gender Equity Plan and the LGBTIQA+ Advisory Committee Action Plan.
Each of these plans have actions outlined for the next 12 months and the adopted Budget aims to address these to ensure Council can achieve positive results for the community. The Budget has also allowed for the continuation of popular programs, such as Women’s Only Swimming at Aquamoves, to ensure every community member has access to the services and facilities in our region.
“The adopted Budget also focuses on youth leadership with Careers Day Out, FREEZA events and ASHEFEST. Our region’s families and children are recognised through the Best Start and Early Years programs, and our region’s multiculturalism is acknowledged through the continuation of the Goulburn Valley Designated Area Migration Agreement, Multicultural Action Plan and funding for Refugee Week and Harmony Week,” Cr Sali said.
The 2023/2024 Budget recognises the importance of supporting mental and physical health, with funding allocated for a Health and Wellbeing event to be held in the region later this year, along with funding for pedestrian facilities, safer routes, shared paths and Local Area Traffic Management Plans.
“The Adopted Budget also prioritises the need to ensure our region is an attractive place to work, live and invest. A full events calendar with a strong focus on arts, cultural assets, regional sports and major events will help boost tourism for our region,” Cr Sali said.
“Council is looking forward to achieving the objectives set out in the 2023/2024 Budget and continuing the positive growth of our great region.”
To view the adopted 2023/2024 Budget, visit Council’s website.
