Budget focuses on community supportLatrobe City Council today released its 2001/2002 budget for public consideration and comment. By Latrobe City Council - 10th July 2001 - Back to News Latrobe City Council today released its 2001/2002 budget for public consideration and comment.
Latrobe City Mayor, Councillor Brendan Jenkins, said the budget clearly focused on the maintenance of existing services and the provision of new initiatives in the area of community support.
"Council has been mindful of the need to increase support to community groups and individuals in preparing the budget. New initiatives such as community service centres and a commitment to employment programs, combined with an increased contribution to pre-schools, and the retention of the minor capital grants program, all give a clear indication that this Council is supportive of the work done by volunteers and community organisations within Latrobe," Cr Jenkins said.
"The work of these groups is critical to our community, and therefore the Council has endeavoured to provide appropriate financial and other support," Cr Jenkins said.
"Council’s road maintenance and construction program will be the largest ever, boosted by the Commonwealth Government’s Roads to Recovery program, whilst an increase in the allocation to gardens maintenance, to adequately maintain new garden and landscaping projects completed in recent years, has also been provided.
"A major redevelopment of Councils web page is currently being undertaken and provision to upgrade information technology and telecommunications infrastructure to accommodate electronic commerce capability has also been provided.
"The Capital Works Program has been increased in line with the five-year financial plan with major projects such as Stage-two of the Latrobe Regional Gallery and the rehabilitation of Old Melbourne Road being accommodated. Other capital projects include preschool improvements, pound facility upgrades, an increased footpath replacement program, the Victory Park sound shell and improvements at Lake Narracan. Other road construction and rehabilitation projects totaling $3.2 million will also be carried out," Cr Jenkins added.
Other highlights of the budget include general compliance with the five-year financial plan and debt management strategy, with no new borrowings planned. As a result of a cap imposed by the State Government on the increase to be applied to power generation facilities of 3.25%, other individual rate increases will range from 6% to 6.5%.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: latrobecity@gippslander.com

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