Budget out for consultation

By Lachlan Ellis

Moorabool Shire Council’s budget is now out for the community to provide feedback on, after the draft was approved at Council’s latest meeting.

The motion to approve and put the Proposed 2023/24 Annual Budget was moved by Cr Paul Tatchell and seconded by Cr Tonia Dudzik at Council’s 5 April Ordinary Meeting, with Council then approving the motion unanimously.

Council CEO Derek Madden said the proposal was “not the final Budget – this is the Budget proposed to go out to public consultation”.

“When that comes back, Councillors have the chance to make changes…depending on the materiality of the change, we may have to then put the Budget out for another 28 days.”

Close to $57 million of capital improvement works are contained within the draft budget, including $6 million for the Bacchus Marsh Racecourse & Recreation Reserve Pavilion, $5.98 million for the Ballan Library and Community Hub, and $5.2 million for the West Maddingley Early Years Facility.

Rate increases have been capped at 3.5 per cent, and the Waste Management Service Charge will increase from $110 to $120.

The overall Waste Collection Charge will increase from $224 to $258. The State Landfill Levy will increase from $68 to $69, and the optional Kerbside Green Waste service will increase from $90 to $101.

Council will consider submissions on the Draft Budget and Draft Council Plan on Wednesday 10 May 2023 at a Special Meeting of Council to be held in the Council Chamber, 15 Stead Street, Ballan, at 6.00 pm.

Any person who wishes to be heard in support of a submission should indicate in the written submission that he or she wishes to be heard. Any person requesting to be heard in support of a submission is entitled to appear before this Special Meeting of Council, either personally or by a person acting on their behalf.

Please note that a summary of submissions, including the submitter’s name, will be made available to the public for the meeting where submissions will be considered.

Copies of the Proposed 2023/24 Annual Budget and the Council Plan 2021-2025 proposed 2023 update can be viewed at Council offices located at: 15 Stead Street, Ballan,182 Halletts Way, Darley, and 215 Main Street, Lerderderg Library, Bacchus Marsh.

You can also view the documents and make submissions at www.moorabool.vic.gov.au.

Submissions will be accepted until 5 pm on Thursday 4 May 2023.