Mayor's Message 21 June, 2024
Hi everyone,
Next Tuesday Council will consider one of the most important agenda items of the year, the adoption of next year’s budget. I believe it’s important for the community to better understand the budget process and the huge amount of time and deliberation that takes place before the final documents are presented to Council for adoption.
Developing a new budget is months in the making and Councillors take into consideration many factors to ensure that what is presented is balanced, financially responsible and sustainable, ensures continuity in the delivery of services, enables investment in capital projects and stays within the Victorian Government rate cap.
Importantly, we also take into consideration the feedback that we receive from the community via our pre-budget consultation and also the actions that we have committed to in our Council Plan.
We’ve been consulting early in the budget process for the past three years to provide community members with the opportunity to help shape the budget, rather than only provide this opportunity at the end of the process.
We’ve had a terrific response over this period of time, with more than 700 people contributing to the process. While fewer people participated in the current survey, the feedback from those that did was consistent with previous years, saying they want council to prioritise its spending on roads, footpaths, drainage and community wellbeing.
There is significant funding in the budget for road and drainage improvements and next year we’ll deliver an $18.3M capital works program. There will be no reduction in services or any new borrowings.
What’s important to understand is that in a rate-capped environment it is not possible to increase the level of service in one area without a corresponding decrease in another. Therefore, a balance must be struck that considers the different (and often competing) priorities of the community.
This week we received the results from our participation in the state-wide Community Satisfaction Survey. It was pleasing to see a slight improvement in all but one of the eight core areas that are measured. We improved in our scores for overall performance, value for money, council direction, waste management, consultation and engagement, customer service and community decisions. Satisfaction with sealed roads remained as last year. You can read the full report here.
Finally, we are aware that Australia Post has temporarily closed the Barnawartha Post Office. Council staff have been in contact with a representative from Australia Post today to assure the organisation of Council’s support in getting the service reinstated as quickly as possible. We will continue to advocate for this important community service and will keep the community updated on any progress.
I hope you are enjoying the beautiful winter sunshine despite the very chilly start to the day.
Cr Sophie Price.