Stadium makes headlines in Shire’s budget

A $10 MILLION contribution towards the Surf Coast Multi-Purpose Stadium is the single largest infrastructure project by a considerable margin in the Surf Coast Shire’s draft 2018/19 budget, which was revealed on Tuesday.

The stadium, which also received a $3 million grant from the state government earlier this month, is among 64 capital works projects across the municipality.

Shire mayor David Bell said the state government grant for the stadium – to be built next to the existing stadium at Surf Coast Secondary College was an opportunity to build the facility sooner than intended, and “we’d be silly not to take up that offer”.

The next biggest contribution is to a major culvert renewal at Gnarwarre Road ($920,000), followed by the Yurrock soccer pitch and lighting ($660,000), and contributions to redevelopments at the Jan Juc and Anglesea Surf Life Saving Clubs ($250,000 each).

Along with works already under way, the council aims to deliver projects worth $18.7 million during the next financial year.

The other major change proposed in the budget is an 8 per cent increase in the waste charge – equivalent to about $30.

Cr Bell said changes to international recycling markets, particularly in China, had put pressure on recycling services across Australia.

The waste charge includes an amount to respond to the immediate impacts of these changes, as well as deliver planned improvements to waste services and rehabilitation at the Anglesea landfill.

“We can’t just export our rubbish, we have to manage our own,” Cr Bell said.

“Waste management remains an important topic, in a dynamic sector, particularly in regard to recycling.

“We will continue to run landfill at Anglesea and intend to invest in important waste infrastructure as part of this budget.”

The council’s average residential rate increase of 2.25 per cent is in line with the state government’s rate capping regime

The draft budget also allocates about $7 million for asset renewal, including roads.

It is now available for public view and submissions at surfcoast.vic.gov.au/budget.

Submissions can also be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to PO Box 350, Torquay, 3228.

Budget submissions close at 4pm on May 24.