Borough announces innovative budget collaboration with residents

INCREASED collaboration between residents and council is at the heart of the Borough of Queenscliffe’s bold new budget process.
Launched last week, the Borough is one of the first local government areas in Victoria to introduce a whole-of-community approach in drafting its 2020–21 Budget.
Council is inviting the community to have its say on how council funds should be prioritised for new investment choices, services and products.
“Learning exactly what our residents value is one of the most important parts of this project,” Mayor Bob Merriman said.
“This innovation is just one way council is looking to engage even more closely with the community.”
Everyone from permanent residents to seasonal visitors is encouraged to take part, as the Borough ramps up its community consultation.
The Borough is even engaging local primary schools to gather the opinions of the next generation.
“We want to hear from all our residents, no matter their age, so we’re hoping for as many detailed responses as possible,” Queenscliffe CEO Martin Gill said.
“Allowing the public greater visibility on how we put a budget together is also a very worthwhile take-away from this process.”
Survey participants will be given the opportunity to suggest increases or decreases to certain areas of the budget, while being asked what existing or future projects they are most interested in.
Results will be calculated and reported to council, who will then devise a way to best implement the community’s recommendations into the final budget.
Residents can view more information on the Borough of Queenscliffe website or keep an eye out for a flyer in their letterbox.
Residents can take part at surveymonkey.com/r/BOQBudget or visit council’s offices during business hours.