Budget backs community projects

AFTER an extensive consultation process, Bass Coast Shire Council adopted its 2016/17 budget last Wednesday (June 22).

The budget was developed with clear direction from community feedback received during the rate cap consultation sessions – most notably asking council to achieve the State Government set rate cap of 2.5 per cent by making operational efficiencies and savings.

The budget proposed a $16 million capital works program, including projects such as the Bass Valley Children’s Centre, Cowes revitalisation projects, the Wonthaggi netball court upgrade, the priority bike network, the Thompson Reserve lighting, and black spot programs.

CEO Paul Buckley said council considered 349 submissions on the draft budget, and the adopted budget aligns with the revised long term financial plan.

The budget proposes to deliver a range of council services and support community assets to the value of more than $76 million, maintain the operation costs of council, limit overall operating costs to a nil increase, and provide the capacity to deliver intergenerational assets and meet the demands of the community.

“Council will continue to be a low rating and low spending council, with a continual review process for services provided by council, seeking out efficiencies and assessing the appropriateness of services provided. Council will continue to plan for the future sustainability of the Bass Coast,” he said.

Cr Neil Rankine added the unfunded Surf Parade footpath in Inverloch for council consideration.

All councillors voted with Cr Rankine, with the exception of Cr Phil Wright.

Mayor Cr Jordan Crugnale said council believed the budget met the community’s expectations.

“The 2016/17 budget focuses on containing operational spending and ensuring there is sufficient investment in capital works and asset renewal, and we have achieved this by redirecting a larger percentage of rates from operating costs to both capital works and renewal of infrastructure,” she said.

“Twenty one per cent of rate income will fund capital works, whilst council will fund 100 per cent of its renewal target for the second year running.

“The budget also contains overall operating and employee costs, with no increase from the 2015-16 budget assisted by efficiency savings of $1.9 million.”

Adopted: Bass Coast Shire Council’s deputy mayor Cr Bradley Drew and mayor Cr Jordan Crugnale were delighted to adopt the 2016-17 budget, which includes a $16 million capital works program

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Posted by Tayla Kershaw on Jun 28 2016. Filed under Featured, News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry