Council adopted the 2021/22 budget at Tuesday's June Council Meeting.
Two submissions to the draft budget were received during the advertising period, which were heard at an Unscheduled Council Meeting on Tuesday, 1 June.
Council further considered submissions and responses to questions within the submissions at an Unscheduled Meeting on Tuesday 8 June, with Council resolving to make no changes to the draft budget.
Mayor Bill Moar thanked submitters for providing their input.
"The submissions to the draft budget were very thorough, with plenty of questions for consideration by Council.
"Following reflection of the questions and responses, Council determined there was no requirement to amend the draft budget," Cr Moar said.
Council's 2021/22 budget plans for a rate rise of 1.47%, and continues Council's focus of striving for efficiency in its operations, while delivering high-quality services and facilities to the community.
Cr Moar said the budget included a $26.4 million capital works program - in conjunction with funding from State and Federal governments.
"This capital works program focuses on infrastructure creation and replacement, with $7.9 million for road works as well as a number of major projects.
"These include the Ronald Street housing development in Robinvale, Swan Hill Regional Soccer Hub, Our Place project and Lake Boga Flying Boat Museum carpark upgrade.
"There's also lighting and runway upgrades at the Swan Hill Aerodrome, and development of vehicle access from Latje Road to Robinvale Riverside Park and the Robinvale Leisure Centre," Cr Moar added.
"Additionally, the budget provides funding to implement Community Plans, including the Vibrant Villages: Small town enhancement project.
"This project will deliver critical public infrastructure, beautification/landscaping works and public art across the townships of Woorinen South, Manangatang, Lake Boga, Boundary Bend, Piangil, Beverford, Ultima, Nyah and Nyah West."
The budget also includes an increase in the differential rate paid by owners of vacant residential land in Swan Hill and Robinvale.
The premium differential is a rate targeted at Swan Hill and Robinvale where there is a shortage of available residential land available for development. They are also in the locations with the greatest shortage in housing supply. The differential rate only comes into effect once that vacant land had been under the same ownership for three years.
Due to the increasing cost to process recycling, rubbish and recycling collection charges will also increase - to $343 for a 120-litre garbage bin and $520 for a 240-litre garbage bin. The green waste collection charge will stay at $95 for those who opt in.
