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Publish Date: 11 May 2023
Buloke Shire Council’s Draft Annual Budget 2023-24 has been adopted for consultation and builds on recent budgetary successes whilst continuing to invest and ensure outcomes in the best interests of the community.
Prepared in line with Council’s Long-Term Community Vision, Council Plan 2021-2025, Revenue and Rating Strategy, and 10-year Financial Plan, the Draft Budget proposes a total capital works program of $19.9M, including an estimated $6.7M of projects being delivered over multiple years.
Key initiatives such as the Wycheproof Wetlands, cabin accommodation projects and the Playspace Trail are highlights of the Draft Budget.
Outside the flood recovery road program, a further $5.5M is proposed to be invested into the Shire’s Road network to ensure these critical assets continue to meet the needs of the community.
Mayor, Cr Alan Getley invites the community to read the Draft Budget and make their submissions.
“Despite significant challenges, such as the October 2022 Flood event and the outbreak of Japanese Encephalitis, we have adapted our efforts to minimise immediate impacts and respond effectively to the needs of our community while advocating for Federal and State Government funding.” Cr Getley said.
“These responses are enhanced by robust early preparation in Community and Corporate Planning and securing crucial funding essential to meeting the ongoing service needs of the Buloke community.”
A review of Council’s current position combined with consideration around inflation-driven increases in service and construction costs, have led Council to propose a 3.50 per cent increase for general rates, with no increase for waste charges.
“This decision has been made with the goal of balancing the needs of our community with the financial sustainability of our organisation. We’re confident it will allow us to continue providing high- quality, sustainable services to our community.
“Properties in the municipality have seen large increases in value, particularly in the farming and residential categories. In line with Council’s Revenue and Rating Plan, this gave rise to a review of our differential rates.
“To encourage a fairer and more equitable spread of rates across the community, Council is proposing to further decrease the differential rate for farming properties from 60 per cent to 53 per cent of the general rate.
“Our farming sector has seen significant valuation increases of over 40 per cent per annum for the last two years. It’s important that Council responds to this increase in an equitable way. As such, we have proposed a consistent 3.5 per cent rate increase to the rates we collect from each of our property categories. This has resulted in a differential rate increase for Commercial and Industrial properties from 100 per cent, to 115 per cent of the general rate.
“We will be launching several new initiatives aimed at enhancing the overall well-being of our community, improving our operations and infrastructure, and supporting our staff.
“These range from the completion of multiple capital projects, to finalising the review and implementation of our Transport and Asset Management Plans, and implementation of Gender Equality Impact Assessment training in line with Buloke’s Gender Equality Action Plan. These activities represent just part of our commitment to continuous improvement and development.
“We'll also be working with our community to develop resilience and preparedness plans for future emergency management, conducting road network surveillance, and focusing on flood recovery efforts,” he said.
The community is encouraged to provide feedback on the Draft Budget before 12 noon on 1 June 2023 by completing an online feedback form at www.buloke.vic.gov.au, by emailing your response to buloke@buloke.vic.gov.au or by mail to P.O. Box 1, Wycheproof, Victoria, 3527.
The Draft Annual Budget 2023-24 is now available on Council’s website with hard copies available at Council’s Customer Service Centre or by mail by calling 1300 520 520.
Council will hear submissions to the Draft Budget at the Wednesday 14 June 2023 Council Meeting, with the Annual Budget to be adopted after submissions are considered at an additional Council Meeting on Tuesday 27 June 2023. Further details of these meetings can be found on Council’s website.