Budget spending cut – Golden Plains Shire council meeting briefs

GOLDEN Plains Shire councillors passed a last-minute alteration to the 2023/24 budget which saw more than one-million-dollars’ worth of initiatives cut from the initial fiscal plan.

Cr Owen Sharkey introduced the change during their regular meeting on Tuesday, suggesting a $1 million reduction in land income sales as well as $500,000 from capital projects.

He said due to impending economic uncertainty, the cuts would be a necessary sacrifice sooner or later.

“It’s reducing our risk,” he said. “From the moment we put our budget out, we are in an economy that is drastically changing.

“We’ve experienced two [interest rate] rises and we’re told to expect another three rises. That has an impact particularly to the sale of real estate and land. This budget is proven to be heavily reliant on that.”

Cr Gavin Gamble opposed the changes, saying he wasn’t happy with where the cuts were going.

“I consider the targeting of areas I know the people who elected of me has a real concern for me,” he said.

“Things like the active rec trails. The climate emergency was already what I consider a meager $130,000. With environmental initiatives, I doubt the other councillors could actually tell me what these initiatives are.”

The move was passed with everyone except Cr Gamble voting in favour.

 

Wastewater way forward

Councillors adopted a new domestic wastewater management plan which will inform how the municipality treats the substance for the next five years.

With only Bannockburn, Smythesdale, and Enfield sewered, the plan highlights Meredith as the highest-priority town to receive similar treatment.

In place of sewers, onsite wastewater management systems are heavily employed throughout the region.

Following the plan’s adoption, the municipality will look to collaborate with Barwon Water in bringing about the changes, which Cr Helena Kirby said is a great outcome.

“It’s very pleasing to see we will be advocating for sewerage in Meredith,” she said.

“I think the rivers play a very important and vital part of our environment and at all times we must keep our rivers healthy.”

 

Refresher on community vision

Although scheduled for review every ten years, councillors received an update on the Community Vision 2040 first developed as part of the Local Government Act 2020.

The plan is aimed at setting the municipality’s community priorities.

Cr Kirby said it was necessary to check in following the impact of COVID-19 in the early years of the plan’s development, with regard given to incoming councillors next year.

“To have a refresh now, it is very early but we as councillors understand this will be a good refresh for the next group of councillors that come in at the next election,” she said.

“If anyone is interested in becoming a councillor it is a really good time to put your hand up next year when it does go out to the public and have a say about what your future vision and aspirations are.”

The plan is based around four key foundations including sustainable growth and development, connected communities, a vibrant economy, and environmental stewardship.

 

Concrete tender cemented

Concreting duties for the region will now be handed between five developers following a unanimous vote by councillors.

Jobs will be divvied up between D and N Hope Constructions, Zantagra Group, SHAE Enterprises, Complete plumbing Construction Concepts, and Davis Constructions Landscapes.

Previously, the municipality had only contracted one supplier at a cost of $90,000 a year while the five contractors will increase the annual rate to between $300,000 and $400,000.

Cr Lew Rowe supported the motion and said the increase in contractors will make concreting a more manageable task for the region.

“With this new panel of suppliers of five contractors, this now aligns with some of the other trades that council require,” he said.

“It’s very hard in this current environment to have only one supplier of service in this department.”

 

New citizens welcomed

Three residents of Golden Plains Shire celebrated their newly-attained Australian citizenships during a ceremony just prior to council’s meeting.

Irish expat Declan Leonard from Bannockburn pledged his allegiance to the country alongside Teesdale’s Maxime Robert Maghe originally from Belgium, and She-Oaks resident Paul Michael Mitchell who came from England.

State Member for Geelong, Christine Couzens was in attendance for the event

 

Local governments share ideas

Mayor Cr Brett Cunningham reported back on his visit to Canberra earlier in the month to attend the Australian Local Government Association’s national assembly.

Joined on the trip by CEO, Eric Braslis, and director of corporate services Lynnere Gray, Cr Cunningham said the event was a great opportunity to see how other local governments are tackling their issues.

“I attended as many sessions as possible and all the sessions were extremely informative and at times thought-provoking,” he said.

“Overall, it was a very busy week but an extremely rewarding trip that has allowed me personally to increase my knowledge of local government, to create many more new contacts and also to continue to represent Golden Plains Shire.”