Borough’s budget focuses on environment and facilities

THE Borough of Queenscliffe has earmarked substantial investment in public facilities and protecting the environment in its budget for the coming financial year.

The council’s draft 2021-22 budget, which was endorsed for public exhibition at the councillors’ meeting last week, includes $1.3 million for new operating and capital projects.

Community infrastructure is the focus of significant investment, including $360,000 to design and renew toilet and change facilities across the borough.

A further $60,000 has been allocated to scope and design an upgrade for the Royal Park Oval, and $20,000 will support the development of a concept design for a bike park.

Environmental projects are also a focus of the borough’s draft budget, with $150,000 allocated for the first tranche of initiatives outlined in the council’s draft Climate Emergency Response Plan.

These initiatives, including $70,000 for electric car charging stations, will ensure the borough can immediately start work implementing the actions in the plan.

In his introduction to the budget, borough mayor Ross Ebbels said that after a challenging year, the draft budget has returned to balance.

“During the height of the coronavirus pandemic, some suggested that governments would have to choose between prudent financial management and supporting communities most exposed to the crisis,” Cr Ebbels said.

“I am pleased to report that the Borough of Queenscliffe has shown it is possible to do both, with our 2021-22 budget maintaining a debt-free balance sheet while allocating $1.3 million for various new operating and capital projects.

“With $309,000 of stimulus funding set aside by council in the previous budget, businesses and residents have continued to benefit from waivers on permit fees, direct rebates on waste charges and a more comprehensive hardship support package.”

He said one of the lessons of the past year was the importance of parks and open spaces, and the budget responded to this with more investment.
“With outdoor gatherings one of the safest ways to catch up during the pandemic, our beaches and parks are busier than ever,” Cr Ebbels said.

The borough’s chief executive officer Martin Gill said councils could only respond to challenges such as those experienced in 2020 when their internal operations were at their most effective.

“With a view to modernising and improving our service delivery capabilities, this budget allocates $366,000 over the coming financial year to restructuring and improving Council’s operations,” Mr Gill said.

“New IT systems will bring our records management and workflow practices up to expected industry standards, while staff restructures and program area reviews will ensure staff hours are spent where they’re most needed.”

Members of the community are being invited to attend a budget presentation on Monday, May 10 at 6pm to learn more about the budget and ask questions.

For more information about how to participate online or in person, head to the borough’s website.