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A budget to address community prioritiesWellington Shire Council is proposing a budget for the coming financial year 2004/05 that will enable it to directly address priorities for action identified by the local community By Wellington Shire Council - 1st June 2004 - Back to News Taking on board feedback from residents – at community meetings, through the recent Community Satisfaction Survey and via the District Advisory Network for example – the council is looking at a total budget of $45.1 million, which represents an increase of $1.4 million on the current year. This recognises the need to support economic development, maintain infrastructure and invest in the shire’s future.
This budget will enable more than $12 million to be targeted at the council’s capital investment program over the year for a number of significant initiatives. These include:
- increasing the level of funding directed at maintaining/upgrading the shire’s buildings, bridges and road network – greatly boosted by the purchase of a new $250,000 road grader;
- construction of the $2.4 million Rosedale multi-purpose community centre;
- completion of the Heyfield Hub – a $740,000 library and hall upgrade;
- a $175,000 refurbishment of the Stratford Mechanics Institute hall;
- construction of Port Albert wharf and boardwalk, costing $980,000;
- an extension of the Loch Sport boat ramp, costing $68,000;
- $136,000 of improvements and upgrade work to enhance council swimming pools;
- construction of two new public toilets in the shire;
- $190,000 to enhance the western entry point to Sale on the Princes Highway;
- start of construction work on the $330,000 Yarram Transfer Station;
As part of its ongoing drive to further enhance the quality of services it delivers to the community, Wellington will be increasing the level of funds channelled into such areas as planning, asset management and environmental health by some $250,000.
Wellington’s firm debt reduction policy – which will see debt fall from a high of $23 million four years ago to $13.8 million at the end of 2004/05 – remains a high priority. This approach has now placed Wellington in a healthy financial position, despite additional borrowings required to repay unfunded superannuation liabilities. For the first time since amalgamation in 1994, we will be safely within State Government guidelines for debt levels.
This strategy will be maintained over the coming years, while still taking into account planning for major capital projects such as the regional swimming centre in Sale.
An increase of 6.5% in rate income is proposed, supported by a $6 increase in the municipal charge (from $136 to $142) and a $12 rise in garbage charges (from $148 to $160).
Importantly, the rate in the dollar to be paid by ratepayers will actually drop by more than 25%.
The farming industry continues to be recognised as a significant contributor to the shire’s economy as the council maintains a differential rate in 2004/05 for this section of the community.
Said Wellington’s Mayor Jeff Amos: "Feedback from the community has been integral to determining priority targets for this budget and we greatly appreciate their views and input. Our substantial investment program will take this on board as we aim to improve council services and infrastructure.
"This is a sound budget. The fact that we are now placed in a healthy financial position is a credit to the commitment of our financial team over recent years to greatly reduce our debts."
The council will now formally advertise the budget for submissions and comments. Copies of the draft budget are available from its Yarram, Sale and Maffra customer service centres, post offices and libraries across the shire. In addition it can be viewed and downloaded from the website www.wellington.vic.gov.au
The deadline for written submissions is 10.00am on Friday 18 June.
The budget is due to be formally adopted at the 6 July Council Meeting.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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