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Publish Date: 14 June 2019
Buloke Shire Council’s June Ordinary Meeting was highlighted by the hearing of submissions to its draft Annual Budget 2019/20, agreement to commence formal discussions with the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation to explore opportunities for a local level treaty, and reporting against outcomes from grant applications and progress against the Economic Development and Tourism Strategy.
Council heard two submissions to its draft Annual Budget 2019/20. The draft budget was adopted at the 8 May Ordinary Meeting and placed on public exhibition with a strong media campaign calling for submissions. Council received submissions from the Victorian Farmers Federation and the Donald Children’s Centre.
Councillors will consider these submissions ahead of a Special Meeting of Council to be held on Wednesday 19 June 2019 where the Annual Budget will be presented for adoption.
Council has reported an extremely positive outcome for the Buloke community with its grant applications, realising $14.4 million over the last financial year.
Council applied for just over $22 million during that period with $5.475 million of funding application outcomes still yet unknown. Funding sourced saw key projects delivered across the Shire representing a great result in upgrading infrastructure and local programs.
Excellent progress in the first year of delivery of the Economic Development and Tourism Strategy was also noted. The strategy, adopted in August 2018, has already seen the establishment of the Economic Development and Tourism Advisory Committee, significant investment in tourism initiatives and infrastructure, commitment to the Better Approvals Project, secured additional funding for three mobile blackspots across Buloke, a partnership formed with Agriculture Victoria to deliver an Internet of Things trial across the Shire as well as the commencement of a Skills Demand Profile for Buloke amongst a range of achievements.
Council will begin formal talks with the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation (DDWCAC) to explore opportunities for improved partnership through a local level treaty. This is an initiative which DDWCAC will lead, in consultation with other Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders in this region, and it may have application for other Local Government Authorities and other traditional owners in Victoria.
The minutes and related documents from the meeting will all be made available on Council’s website.
The next Ordinary Meeting of Council will be held from 7.00pm on Wednesday 10 July 2019 in the Wycheproof Supper Room.
End release For further information contact Manager Customer Engagement, Travis Fitzgibbon on 03 5478 0181 or tfitzgibbon@buloke.vic.gov.au