Queenscliffe council seeks community input on upcoming budget

THE Borough of Queenscliffe’s 2024-2025 Council Budget Community Consultation report is now available for public review.

The council engaged over 350 residents, ratepayers, and visitors through a survey to gather insights on their preferences for the upcoming budget.

Respondents called for greater investment in parks, playgrounds, and open spaces, with 33 per cent placing it as their top priority. This was followed by 14 per cent of respondents placing tree planting first.

Feedback from the community indicated a strong focus on improving environmental and waste management assets, facilities and public spaces, and arts and libraries.

Additionally, there were calls for more public toilets, improvements to existing ones, support for local traders, and enhanced tourism support.

A spokesperson for the Borough of Queenscliffe said the consultation with the community was a vital part of the budget development process.

“The feedback received is used to inform Council and Council officers to make decisions con-cerning the allocation of resources throughout the budget process,” the spokesperson said.

“Community consultation allows Council to develop a deeper understanding about what matters most to residents, ratepayers, and visitors to the Borough.”

With community engagement up by over 30% from last year, the council said they will be able to consider a broader array of opinions.

A draft budget is expected to be adopted at the Ordinary Meeting of Council in April 2024.

The council will invite community submissions on the draft budget from 26 April until 24 May 2024.

A presentation scheduled for 8 May will provide an opportunity for the mayor, councillors, and council officers to discuss the draft budget and address questions from the community.