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Council Approves Budget and Council PlanWellington Shire Council has approved its 2006/07 budget and four-year Council Plan following public consultation on both documents. By Wellington Shire Council - 23rd June 2006 - Back to News "Council made modifications from the draft budget after receiving various submissions from the community," said Cr Malcolm Hole, Mayor of Wellington Shire Council.
Total Council expenditure for the coming year will be almost $51 million. Of this $28 million will be raised from rates. Most of the rest will come from grants from the state and federal governments.
"This sounds a lot of money, but it doesn’t go far when you have to look after a huge road and bridge network as well as a wide range of other services such as libraries, children health services, recreation areas and economic development," said Cr Hole.
"We have 3,300km of local roads in Wellington Shire and 181 bridges, including 82 aging timber structures.
"We have two aerodromes, six swimming pools, 46 playgrounds, and 30 recreation reserves to look after.
"Our immunization nurses will give approximately 2,800 vaccinations this year, mainly to young children.
"Our seven libraries will lend about 331,000 books and other items, an excellent figure for a Shire population of 40,000," said Cr Hole.
"These are just some of the areas that Council must fund in each budget."
As well as maintaining existing facilities and services the budget also has considerable allowance for new works and facilities.
Some of the new works in the coming year will include:
- Bridge upgrades on Cunninghame St, Fishers, Kays, Kingwill and Rosedale Creek bridges.
- Road upgrades on Albert River Road, Bolgers Road, Calrossie-Won Wron Road, Dargo High Plains Road, Licola-Jamieson Road, Whitelaws Track and Willung Road.
- Improvements to the Cowwarr streetscape, Gormandale urban design, Heyfield railway land development, Seaspray main park, Stockyard Point, Stratford eastern entry, Victoria Park Maffra, Woodside Beach picnic shelter and Yarram Camp Draft Horse facilities.
- New or additional construction at Loch Sport Community Hall, North East Sale Recreation Complex, Port Albert Maritime museum, West Sale Aerodrome, and Sale Skate Park.
"It is a major task, but we will be working to keep facilities across the Shire up to date," said Cr Hole.
"The Council Plan for the next four years, which was also approved last night, will help Council to identify its priorities beyond the current year.
"This Plan may not contain the details of the programs and expenditures that are shown in our budgets, but it does set our general direction.
"It will guide our planning for the next four years," said Cr Hole.
Cr Hole said that Council received a number of submissions on the budget, but surprisingly few on the Council Plan.
"We considered all submissions from the community and made a number of changes as a result.
"For example Council has now included funding for a professional lifeguard at Woodside Beach during summer peak periods, and will also assist the Boisdale Stables Project to preserve the historic stables."
Copies of the budget and Council Plan are available from Council offices and libraries. They can also be viewed on the Council website: www.wellington.vic.gov.au
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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