THE Borough of Queenscliffe plans to scale down its capital works spend in the next financial year, in a “fiscally disciplined” budget which predicts four straight years of surplus without taking on new loans.<\/p>\n
BOQ released its draft 2022-23 budget on Wednesday night alongside a long-term council plan to remain debt-free.<\/p>\n
The borough proposed to pass on the maximum allowed rate increase of 1.75 per cent next financial year, to raise $8.1 million in revenue \u2013 which accounts for 74 per cent of its total operating revenue.<\/p>\n
It expects a small surplus of $158,000 from its $12.7 million spending plan, with its bottom line to remain black through to 2025-26, when it predicts a $1.5 million profit.<\/p>\n
It was predicted its grants revenue would fall to $2.3 million from $9.4 million in the current financial year, when it received funding boosts for the infrastructure projects and pandemic support.<\/p>\n
BOQ planned a modest capital works spend for the next year of just $3.8 million \u2013 about two thirds of which comes from carryover of big-money projects due to finish in coming months, including the Queenscliffe Hub, Queenscliff Sport and Recreation Precinct development and Point Lonsdale Reserve upgrade.<\/p>\n
The budget includes $350,000 for public toilet improvements, including a new block at Hobson Street and design funding for projects at Princes Park kiosk and Weeroona Parade.<\/p>\n
It also delivers funding for energy efficient capital works and audit programs and to achieve Reconciliation Plan objectives alongside Wadawurrung Traditional Owners.<\/p>\n
Mayor Ross Ebbels said the budget focussed on priorities identified through community consultation.<\/p>\n
“From supporting community wellbeing, to protecting our environment, to promoting the borough’s rich heritage, this is a budget that delivers on some the key initiatives residents told us matter to them,” Cr Ebbels said.<\/p>\n
“I want to thank everyone in our community who took part in consultation to develop the council plan \u2013 your ideas and advice have helped us create a budget that reflects your priorities.”<\/p>\n
Council officers will present its draft budget to the community at an event at Queenscliff Town Hall, at 6.30pm on May 11.<\/p>\n
Submissions are open until May 23.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE Borough of Queenscliffe plans to scale down its capital works spend in the next financial year, in a “fiscally disciplined” budget which predicts four straight years of surplus without taking on new loans. BOQ released its draft 2022-23 budget on Wednesday night alongside a long-term council plan to remain debt-free. The borough proposed to […]<\/p>\n