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Council Adopts Budget and Council Plan

Wellington Shire Council has voted to adopt an amended 2007/08 Budget and Council Plan 2006-2011 following a public exhibition period.

By Wellington Shire Council - 27th June 2007 - Back to News

The draft Budget and Council Plan was placed on exhibition for public comment in May.

"We received a number of suggestions and recommendations on the draft Budget and these have been fully considered in finalising the Budget," said Acting Mayor, Cr Jeff Amos.

"Several alterations have been made to the final Budget thanks to the feedback from the public," said Cr Amos.

"Largely the changes have been comparatively small and involved reconsideration of local works and projects.

"The key thrust of the budget, however, remains unchanged," said Cr Amos.

Key features of the Budget include:

  • A rating level of 6.95%
  • Well over 40% of revenue will come from sources other than rates, such as grants from the state and federal governments
  • More than $50 million to be spent on Council services for residents and ratepayers
  • Council's largest ever capital works program at $27 million
  • Continuing emphasis on debt reduction, giving the lowest level of debt for many years

"This budget meets the service needs of the diverse and widespread communities of Wellington but also recognises the differing impacts on the various parts of the community and their capacity to pay," said Cr Amos.

"Particularly important in the current circumstances is that we are retaining the 20% differential on farm land.

"This budget reinforces Wellington Shire's position as a responsible and sustainable local government.

"We are continuing to provide the community with a broad range of high quality and necessary services while reducing debt.

This year's expenditure will see the completion of a number of major projects including:

  • Completion of the Stockyard Point (Port Albert) Redevelopment project ($797,000)
  • Completion of the Lex Glover Regional Aquatics Complex - Aqua Energy ($1.2 million)
  • Skateboard facility and BMX upgrade at Stratford ($110,000)
  • Continue implementation of Masterplan for Victoria Park Maffra ($258,000)
  • Kilmany Resource Recovery station (546,000)
  • Upgrade Maffra Pool Facilities ($200,000)
  • Commencement of the Gippsland Regional Sporting Complex, Sale ($2.2 million)
  • Licola / Dargo water bores ($200,000)

"Providing services across the huge area of the Shire is a constant challenge for Council," said Cr Amos.

"Council is active in approximately 40 major service categories including building and planning, waste collection, health inspection, parks and gardens, library, youth services, recreation and cultural programs, and economic development.

"Some of the lesser recognised responsibilities of Council include cemeteries, aerodromes and toy libraries," said Cr Amos.

"This budget will see a lot achieved by Council over the financial year.

"For example Council’s immunisation nurses will give approximately 2,800 vaccinations, mainly to young children, and our libraries will lend about 330,000 books and other items.

The Council Plan 2006-2011 was also adopted by Council. Council reviews this four year plan during its operation to ensure actions remain relevant throughout the program.

"A key feature of the Council Plan is its emphasis on community involvement," said Cr Amos.

Some of the guiding principles in the Plan include:

  • Prioritising service delivery based on community need.
  • Consolidating existing services and infrastructure before committing to new developments
  • Building strong social, economic, natural and built environments so that our community can prosper and grow

"The Council Plan sets the strategies for achieving the objectives over the four years.

"Most importantly it includes strategic indicators for monitoring the achievement of the objectives, including results from the Community Satisfaction Survey," said Cr Amos.


Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com



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