City budget gets okay

CITY of Greater Bendigo councillors have adopted the 2021-22 municipal budget, after receiving thirty-four submissions on the draft document.

Mayor Cr Jennifer Alden said the revised budget proved community consultation was successful.

“Councillors carefully considered all of the submissions and we would like to thank all of those in the community who contributed to the process,” she said.

The budget now includes additional money for Bendigo East Swimming Pool, for gates and paths at Truscott Reserve Dog Park, sponsorship funding for Bendigo Spirit at Bendigo Stadium, and more money for the Golden Dragon Museum.

When it comes to ratepayers, the budget includes a rise of 1.5 per cent, the maximum under the State Government rate cap.

Most councillors voted in favour of approving the budget, however Cr Vaughan Williams abstained from casting his ballot, saying he would have preferred rates not to rise.

“My main concern is my attempt for a zero-rate rise was not entertained, even the options I put forward to cover the loss of the 1.5 per cent rate rise was not considered,” he said.

A key aspect of the budget is a $2 million support package for businesses in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, with money for business grants, additional event attraction and marketing, a deferral of rates for those experiencing financial hardship, and around 400 fees frozen for a second year.

Over $55 million will be invested in major projects including the Kennington Recreation Reserve upgrade, the Municipal Baths redevelopment and new facilities at Catherine McAuley College, while $30.2 million has been set aside to maintain essential infrastructure.

“This is a sustainable and strategic budget that seeks to build on existing initiatives to support our region’s COVID-19 recovery and we’ve prioritised new and existing projects that will enhance the liveability of our community,” Cr Alden said.

The revised budget also features changes to proposed land rate increases, with the vacant land rate remaining at 125 per cent for 2021-22, however it will increase to 200 per cent of the general rate in 2022-23.

“It is important to recognise that the increase planned for 2022/2023 does not increase the overall total of rates collected by the City from the community,” Cr Alden said.

The farmland rate has decreased from 85 per cent to 75 per cent of the general rate, after consultations with local farmers.

“This is in recognition of the fact that the valuations of farming properties are increasing in Greater Bendigo mainly due to mining and strategic land purchases, which is not necessarily reflective of farming businesses’ greater capacity to pay,” Cr Alden said.