Surf Coast Shire ratepayers will be slugged an extra 3.5 per cent in their annual rates bill after Council released its Draft Budget on Wednesday April 26.
Chief executive Robyn Seymour said Council would incorporate the 3.5 per cent state government rate cap despite councillor Adrian Schonfelder wanting to lower it to three per cent to better align with people’s incomes.
“Rate revenue is vital in supporting the community and meeting its needs, both now and into the future,” Ms Seymour said.
“We understand that many residents are experiencing financial pressures, so if you are, please reach out to us as we have rates payment plans available to support you.”
The Shire is looking at adding more community-led actions, responses to the climate change emergency and delivering the essentials during this year’s Draft Budget.
Cr Seymour said the 2023-24 Draft Budget was now on display for community feedback.
“We are being very responsible by focusing on the key needs of our community,” she said.
“We continue to achieve our financial savings targets and incorporated an additional $327,000 of savings into the 2023-24 budget this year.”
Cr Seymour said the budget would focus on commitments, services, projects and initiatives that align with the Council’s plan and community priorities.
“It contributes to our long-term financial sustainability, which includes addressing our asset renewal backlog and catering for population growth when delivering our core services,” she said
Proposed shire-wide allocations in the Draft Budget include $15-million for road upgrades, $100,000 for housing crisis resources, $75,000 towards better facility accessibility, and a $30,000 increase in the community grants program.
Council has allocated $8.5 million for upgrades to the Winchelsea Swimming Pool.
Council said it encouraged the Surf Coast Shire community to provide feedback on the 2023-24 Draft Budget, which is on display to the public until May 22 at 10am.
People can share their thoughts on items within the budget and what the rate cap should be at surfcoast.vic.gov.au/About-us/Your-Say/Draft-Budget-2023-24.
