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South Gippsland Shire Council adopts 2023/24 Annual Budget and other updates

Approved Annual Budget secures vital community services and infrastructure, prioritising community needs and providing financial guidance for resource allocation.

By news@gippsland - 29th June 2023 - Back to News

At Wednesday's council meeting the Annual Budget was adopted ensuring South Gippsland Shire Council can continue to deliver much needed services and infrastructure to our local community. The primary purpose of council's Annual Budget is to ensure the careful management of funding to be spent with the needs and priorities of the community in mind. The Annual Budget serves as a blueprint for financial decision-making, guiding the allocation of resources.

Approved budget empowers community services and infrastructure for South Gippsland Shire Council

Annual budget highlights

Some key components of council's 2023/24 Annual Budget include:

Invest an additional $400,000 into council's road and roadside network
Allocate $155,000 in funding to implement actions from the Coastal Strategy, and the South Gippsland Planning Scheme review
Seek to protect our precious environment by developing a Climate Action Plan
Help to protect our community's data and information through investment in cybersecurity

To view the 2023/24 Annual Budget, go to South Gippsland Shire Council 2023/24 Annual Budget page.

Long term financial plan

Council's Long-Term Financial Plan 2023/24 - 2032/33 plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the region. It is a strategic roadmap that outlines the financial goals, priorities, and measures necessary to ensure sustainable growth and development.

The Long-Term Financial Plan provides a comprehensive framework that extends beyond annual budgets. It facilitates proactive financial management by envisioning the financial needs and challenges council will face over a ten-year period. By taking a long-term perspective, councils can make informed decisions and allocate resources effectively, ensuring the community's long-term viability and prosperity. To view council's Long-Term Financial Plan, please visit South Gippsland Financial Plan page.

Council welcomes new citizens, celebrating diversity and shared values in South Gippsland Shire

Citizenship Ceremony

South Gippsland Shire Council proudly welcomed a diverse group of individuals as new Australian citizens in a ceremony held in the council chambers, Leongatha. The event marked a significant milestone in the lives of these individuals, symbolising the shared values that make South Gippsland Shire a welcoming place for people from all walks of life. The new Citizens are:

Douglas Ray Bryant from the United States of America
Wendy Karen Fourie from South Africa
Jennifer Ann Lidstone from United Kingdom
Nicholas Paul Meadows from United Kingdom
Glenda Moro from Philippines
Hildegard Maria Motton from Germany

The new citizens, hailing from various corners of the globe, stood side by side, representing the rich cultural tapestry that enriches our shire.

Grants available to community, volunteer, and nonprofit groups; not open to commercial/business entities

Community grants

The second round of community grants will be open for application from Saturday 1 July to Thursday 31 August. Community grants are an opportunity for council to give back to local clubs and community groups who give so much to others.

Grants can be used for both minor and major projects and equipment, planning and developing reports, and festivals and events. For more information and to apply. please visit Community Grants page. You can also get tailored advice from Sophie Bolding, Community Strengthening Officer on 5662 9200 or email sophie.bolding@southgippsland.vic.gov.au.

Kindergarten enrolments closing soon. Act now to secure first-round offers before June deadline

Kindergarten registration

Enrolments for funded three-year-old and four-year-old Kindergarten will close at midnight on Friday 30 June. Late enrolments will still be accepted but will not be eligible to receive a first-round offer.

Parents and carers who have not yet enrolled their children are encouraged to get in quick to meet the June deadline. To register please visit Kindergarten Registration page.

Youth EOI

Get in quick to register your expression of interest for South Gippsland Shire Council's Youth Council! The SGYC is an initiative led by young people who want to represent the voice of the youth who live, work and/or study in South Gippsland.

If you are or know anyone 14 to 24 years old who is passionate about improving the quality of life for young people in South Gippsland, fill out an expression of interest form at Youth Council page.

Expressions of interest close midnight 30 June 2023. Additionally, you can have a chat with Sophie about Youth Council, her contact details are:

Phone: 5662 9887 or 0458 492 224
Email: sophie.bolding@southgippsland.vic.gov.au

Don't delay, get screened! Breast screening available in Leongatha from July 3 to July 18 2023

BreastScreen Van in Leongatha!

If you are between the ages of 50 and 74 and are due to have a breast screen but you've been putting it off, there's no better time to screen than on the van in Leongatha.

The van will be at Gippsland Southern Health Service, 66 Koonwarra Road, Leongatha 3953 from Monday 3 July to Tuesday 18 July. Appointments for the Leongatha van can be made online at Breast Screen page.

Protect Southern Right Whales! Be vigilant on water, slow down, and maintain a safe distance

Protect Southern Right Whales

Our endangered Southern Right Whales need our help! From May to October, our surrounding coastal areas become a haven for whales. So when out on the water please watch for whales, slow down and keep a safe distance. Learn more about sharing the water with the whales at Southern Right Whales page.

Korumburra library

The Korumburra Library will soon be reopening in the new Korumburra Community Hub, but until then library services will be operated out of Milpara Community House. Library services include:

Click and collect
Story time
Baby rhyme time

Public computers will also be available at Milpara Community House. To learn more about the Korumburra Library service arrangements, please visit Korumburra Library page.

Community planning meeting at Poowong Uniting Church welcomes ideas from residents during drop-in sessions

Poowong community plan review

The Poowong Community Consultative Committee (PCCC) is holding a community planning meeting at the Poowong Uniting Church. If you would like to share any ideas you have for the community, please feel free to join at any one of the drop in session dates:

19 July at the Mya Mya Cafe, Poowong Uniting Church, 10.00am to 12.00pm
26 July at the Mya Mya Cafe, Poowong Uniting Church, 10.00am to 12.00pm

Or attend the community gathering on Wednesday 2 August at the Poowong Hall from 7.00pm (supper provided).

Unlock social media potential! Join us for an informative session on choosing the best platform

Social media workshop

Join us for an informative session on how to choose the best social media platform for your group. Whether you're a community association, a hall committee or sporting club, getting the message out about what you do and that others are welcome should always be part of your plan. If that is your goal, then there's no better way to reach the public than using social media.

We will discuss the pros and cons of various social media platforms and you'll learn how to create a social media strategy that aligns with your group's goals and objectives. The event will take place Saturday 22 July 2023, 9.30am at Michael Place, Leongatha, VIC 3953. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your social media presence to the next level! To reserve a spot, please go to Social Media Workshop page.