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Publish Date: 14 May 2020
Buloke Shire Council has adopted its draft Annual Budget 2020/21 and placed it on exhibition for public submission. The proposed Budget been informed by Council’s suite of plans developed and updated throughout this term of Council, in particular the Council Plan, Buloke 2030 Community Plan and the Long Term Financial Plan.
Supporting business will be a huge priority in the current climate and the key initiatives contained within the budget reflect that, including:
· Streetscape rejuvenation works in Birchip and Wycheproof valued at $1.6 million
· Upgrades to the riverfronts at Donald and Charlton valued at $1.7 million
· Completion of the Lake Tyrrell Tourism Infrastructure project valued at $4 million
· Upgrades to caravan parks at Wooroonook Lake Caravan Park, Donald Caravan Park Lake,
· Charlton Travellers Rest Caravan Park and Tchum Lake Caravan Park valued at $480,000.
This is Council’s first Annual Budget since the repayment of the $7 million fixed term loan taken out in 2014. Council plans to now invest more heavily in its infrastructure program, most notably with a close to $5 million injection into local roads.
All up, the $12.2 million capital works program is one of Councils largest ever investments into infrastructure.
New operational initiatives includes support for Lake Committees in paying for filling recreational lakes and a rebate on registration fees for food, beauty and prescribed accommodation businesses.
The impact of annual valuations continues to impact on the individual rates that all of our property owners receive. With a large increase in farm values again this year, Council has revised its rating differentials and will adopt an 80% differential rate for farmland, down from 82% in 2019/20.
The draft Annual Budget 2020/21 proposes a rate increase of 2%, which is in line with the cap set by the Fair Go Rates System.
“Council has developed this budget in a time where the COVID-19 pandemic is placing global, national and local economic conditions under significant stress. We have introduced a range of measures in order to support our residents and businesses in getting through this time and will initiate a buy local and liveability campaign in collaboration with the community. We need to be agile and monitor the budget closer than ever,” said Mayor Cr Carolyn Stewart.
Full details on making a written submission as well as the draft Annual Budget 2020/21 are available on Council’s website. The proposed Budget is also available in hard copy by calling Council on 1300 520 520. Submissions close at 5.00pm Wednesday 10 June 2020.
**Update**
Council has heard submissions from the public on its proposed Annual Budget 2020/21.
Submissions received and presentations provided will form part of Council’s consideration in respect of the Annual Budget to be adopted for 2020/21.
Council will advertise the date and location of the Meeting to adopt the budget when these details are finalised.
End release For further information contact Manager Customer Engagement, Travis Fitzgibbon on 03 5478 0181 or tfitzgibbon@buloke.vic.gov.au