Ash Bolt
A commitment to respond to the global climate emergency is at the core of Surf Coast Shire Council’s draft budget.
At its Tuesday meeting, the council adopted the draft budget, which mayor Libby Stapleton said delivered on the community’s vision to protect and enhance the natural environment.
“One of our goals is to protect our environment and help our community to thrive through environmental leadership, so it’s pleasing the budget demonstrates how we continue to work towards this,” she said.
“The budget supports the ongoing certification as a carbon neutral organisation, which involves continually taking action to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, while residual emissions – which mostly come from our landfill – will be offset.”
The next stage of the Anglesea Landfill Rehabilitation is a key project in the budget, with $3 million allocated.
Cr Stapleton said the budget also delivered on the community vision to be an active, diverse community that lives creatively.
“Our creative focus is … highlighted by an $88,000 investment to expand the arts and culture service. This joins a $50,000 allocation to the arts program over the next two years, and a $36,000 continued investment in the Anglesea Art Space,” Cr Stapleton said.
“We want to foster a connected community, so we’re excited by significant infrastructure projects such as the Winchelsea Pool renewal, Eastern Reserve netball courts resurfacing and MAC upgrade – all of which will result in invaluable health and wellbeing outcomes.”
A $34.5 million capital works program lays the foundation for the budget, $13.5 million of which is spent on new projects to be delivered.
Within the program, $11.6 million is allocated for renewing existing assets – topped by the $2.1 million Winchelsea Pool renewal – and $12.9 million for roads upgrades, maintenance and renewal.
The budget includes a proposed rate increase of 1.75 per cent, in line with the rate cap set by the state government.
The urban garbage collection fee is budgeted to increase by five per cent to $455 and the rural garbage collection by eight per cent to $388.
Cr Stapleton said the rural increase was higher to align the two garbage collection charges over the next four years.
“We acknowledge this is significant, and can be attributed to the increase to waste collection and disposal costs, including Victorian government EPA levies,” she said.
The shire is now calling for feedback on the budget, which can be made until May 24.
Details: surfcoast.vic.gov.au/budget22-23.
