Mildura Rural City Council's 2020-21 Draft Budget has been released for community feedback, outlining Council's plan to continue providing more than 100 services across our municipality while supporting our community through challenging times.
Key points in this year's Draft Budget include a $1.5 million Community Recovery Fund to support social and economic recovery from COVID-19.
The budget features a $50.74 million capital works program, including:
- $24.32 million on buildings and building improvements, including the Mildura South Regional Sporting Precinct, Old Powerhouse Theatre refurbishment and upgrades to the Lake Cullulleraine Multipurpose Centre
- $13.25 million on roads projects, including removing sand drift from roads in the Millewa and resealing more than 90 kilometres of sealed road network
- almost $6 million in drainage works.
The total budget for the 2020-21 financial year is $148.94 million, just over 66 per cent of which will be collected through rates.
Council is proposing a two per cent rate increase, in line with the Victorian Government's Fair Go Rates cap.
Mildura Mayor Simon Clemence said balancing the need to provide crucial services for the community with residents' capacity to pay was a difficult task each year, however this year was particularly challenging.
"It's been an extremely difficult start to the calendar year for many in our community with the severe impacts of the drought followed by the unprecedented hardship caused by COVID-19," Cr Clemence said.
"Both of these issues are still impacting on our community and were certainly taken into account when developing this year's budget.
"These two significant events have also created financial pressures on Council, requiring us to strive for that balance between ensuring our residents continue to receive the standard of services they rightly expect, while providing support during this difficult time.
"I believe our organisation has managed to strike this difficult balance, developing a financially responsible budget that takes into account these unprecedented challenges."
Council Chief Executive Officer Sarah Philpott said another significant item in this year's Draft Budget was a $1 million contribution to the Instrument Landing System (ILS) at Mildura Airport.
The ILS represents a significant safety upgrade, allowing any aircraft with ILS capability to land in adverse weather conditions.
The Draft Budget is available for the public to view and provide feedback. Copies will be available at www.mildura.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay from Friday 19 June 2020.
Feedback can be provided until 5pm on Saturday 18 July 2020.
