Financial blueprint ready for public comment ahead of June council meeting

Investing in community infrastructure and services whilst reducing financial pressure on households are key drivers of Glenelg Shire Council’s draft $59 million 2023/2024 Budget.

The draft Budget and associated Fees and Charges are now available for viewing and feedback until 5pm Friday 26 May.

The comprehensive document outlines expenses and service provision for the next 12 months, including a $10.6 million capital works program to deliver on priority projects and community infrastructure. This includes more than $3 million in local road works and bridge renewals, $200,000 for recreational upgrades such as playgrounds and $200,000 for footpaths, drainage and carparks.

A number of carry forward community projects are also included in the draft Budget, including the Alexandra Park redevelopment and stage 2 for the Cape Bridgewater Master Plan works.

“This is a Budget that aims to build a sustainable financial position in the years ahead whilst following through with priorities that were identified in the Council Plan. A great deal of work has been completed by Council officers to find cost savings and this is reflected in this draft document,” said Mayor Cr Scott Martin.

“Regrettably the cost of living is significant to everyone at this time and Council is not immune. The delivery of our of services pose some significant financial challenges, with increased fixed costs such as fuel, utilities, technology and business improvement total well over $2 million dollars whilst rate cap income will be capped at $845k.

“This highlights the challenge to Council to ensure we deliver our services and facilities to the community at the same level, even though the costs to do this has increased far more than what the rate cap permits.

“However, we are committed to reducing further financial pressures on households where possible. Council considered the introduction of the food and garden organics collection service, however felt that the additional cost to residents of approximately $85 p.a. for the annual service garbage charge was not appropriate at this time. “This service is not mandated until 2030 and Council will continue to search for funding opportunities to offset the costs to ratepayers in the interim.

“The Budget has also allowed for the transition from Aged Services for a period of time, however this will be dependent on further discussions with government bodies.”

The overall rate for general, commercial and primary production rates has increased by just under 3.5% for the 2023/2024 financial year.

“The decision on the rate cap was guided by independent advice from the Essential Services Commission (ESC) recommending a cap of four per cent – in line with the Consumer Price Index,” explained Cr Martin.

“However, the Government set the rate cap 0.5 per cent below the ESC’s recommendation, taking into account the cost of living pressures facing rate payers.” Cr Martin invited the community to submit their feedback on the draft budget.

“Critical to the process of getting this Budget right for our community is for you to have your say and provide feedback,” he said.

“Your ideas do have an impact, and you can even choose to present your submission to Council confidentially in person as part of the submission process in June.

“We look forward to receiving your feedback over the next month as part of the consultation period.” Copies of the draft 2023/2024 Budget and 2023/2024 Fees and Charges are available for inspection at any of Council’s Customer Service Centres, or online via the YourSay Glenelg website.

Budget submissions must be submitted no later than 5pm on Friday 26 May 2023. Alternatively, budget submissions can also be submitted via post and addressed to:

• The Chief Executive Officer Glenelg Shire Council PO Box 152 PORTLAND VIC 3305

Submissions on the draft budget will be heard on 6pm Tuesday 13 June.