Stribling Reserve upgrade leads budget works

MORE than $20 million of new funding has been earmarked for capital works across the Surf Coast Shire in the council’s draft 2019-20 budget.

Along with works already under way, the shire aims to deliver projects worth $25.9 million during the next financial year.

The $6.5 million redevelopment of Lorne’s Stribling Reserve pavilions is the largest single project.

Others include $2.706 million for the upgrade and rehabilitation of South Beach Road, $1.283 million for the widening and upgrading of Coombes Road and $214,5999 for the Deans Marsh Memorial Playground.

“One of the primary considerations in developing the draft budget is to achieve a balance between meeting current community aspirations while preparing for the longer-term trends,” Shire mayor Rose Hodge said.

“The draft 2019-20 budget continues to fund council’s existing services and provides for important capital works and initiatives while anticipating the long-term financial challenges inherent in managing growth within a rate capped revenue environment.

“Council’s award-winning project management program continues to deliver a wide range of projects ranging from road infrastructure to sports and community facilities.”

She said the council had also allocated $7.168 million for asset renewal.

“In total council is spending $10 million on roads in the 2019-20 year, comprising $6 million on capital works and $4 million on roads maintenance.”

Shire chief executive officer Keith Baillie said the council was only about halfway into “establishing a steady state” in reaction to losing revenue under the state government’s rate capping system, although it had saved about $5 million in the past four years.

The Shire will borrow $3.3 million in 2019-20 to help fund the Stribling Reserve project. Mr Baillie said the resulting increase to the Shire’s debt level ($18.5 million in 2019-20) would be a factor in the council’s consideration of an aquatic centre in Torquay, which he said would begin within six months after the federal election.

“If we do that, what other things may not be able to be done? And that’s a conversation we will need to have with the community.”

Submissions on the draft budget close at noon on May 27. Head to surfcoast.vic.gov.au/yoursay.