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Baw Baw Shire Council adopts 2022/23 budget after acting on community feedback

Baw Baw Shire Council has adopted its annual budget for 2022/23 which supports the delivery of over 100 community services and invests $41.78 million into community infrastructure, roads and open spaces.

By news@gippsland - 23rd June 2022 - Back to News

The annual budget was adopted at the 22 June council meeting, along with the supporting key documents including the council plan annual review, Long Term Infrastructure Plan, Financial Plan, and Revenue and Rating Plan. Over the year ahead, council will continue its major investment in community infrastructure with an increase of $3.10 million in capital expenditure for 2022/23 totalling $41.78 million.

Council continues to advocate for the key major projects that often require staged delivery over multiple years and are subsidised by funding grants provided by other levels of government

Budget highlights

Of this, $25 million is allocated to delivering new and upgraded infrastructure, with $16.77 million allocated to the renewing and extending the life of existing assets. Budget highlights include:

• $6.50 million for stage one of the Baw Baw Culture and Connection Precinct
• $4.05 million for the Warragul Leisure Centre Indoor Stadium Expansion
• $1.50 million for upgrades to the Rokeby-Noojee Trail
• $2.17 million for the new multi-use pavilion and surrounding works at Bellbird Park East
• $2 million for the annual roads reconstruction program

Projects include State and/or Federal Government grant support and are subject to further funding. Roads will receive a $11.21 million investment for the year ahead, with $5.18 million allocated for recreation assets and $3.27 million towards footpaths and cycleways.

Meeting needs and expectations

Investment in new initiatives will be $1.19 million to better meet the needs and expectations of our growing population with a focus on statutory planning and enforcement, infrastructure planning and maintenance, waste and major strategic planning works that relate to vegetation protection. $590,000 has also been allocated to deliver 17 community-requested projects across seven townships as a direct response to submissions made through the budget consultation process. Further budget highlights are detailed at:

• Investing over $14 million in major projects for our future
• Local roads and paths receive over $14 million boost in new budget
• Community requests lead to 17 projects funded in new budget
• Council invests $1.19m into Planning resources and new initiatives
• Revitalising arts, culture and major events in Baw Baw Shire

To learn more about the Annual Budget 2022/23 and all the investments council is making to build a better Baw Baw in the year ahead, visit the 2022-23 annual budget.

Delivering service to the community

Mayor Cr Michael Leaney said, "We are proud to adopt another well-rounded, balanced and responsible annual budget and council plan focused on delivering more than 100 services to our community and building and renewing the community infrastructure needed to support residents and businesses in all corners of the Shire."

"This year, we've increased our investment into community infrastructure. Roads and paths, community and cultural facilities, and recreation and open spaces all feature prominently in the year ahead to help build a better Baw Baw for our growing community."

"The preparation of the draft Annual Budget has been a fine balancing act amidst uniquely challenging conditions, including ongoing recovery from Covid-19. Despite the uncertainty around us, it provides a sensible and stable platform from which we can build and deliver on behalf of our community. Thanks to all those involved in preparing the annual budget, it is owing to their hard work and financial prudence that we can face the year ahead with confidence." Cr Leaney said.

Pictures from Baw Baw Shire Council website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com