Bass Coast Shire Council adopted its 2022-23 Annual Budget at the June Council Meeting on Wednesday.
This budget continues Council's strong investment in capital works projects with a program of $29 million, including:
- $5 million for the final stage of Cowes Cultural and Community Centre Redevelopment and associated Public Realm Improvements
- $1.6 million for Grantville Landfill Micro Turbines
- $3 million for Wonthaggi Activity Centre Plan priorities
- $1.8 million for Shetland Heights/Potters Hill Roads upgrades
The budget also provides:
- $12.5 million for new leisure and recreation facilities
- $14.4 million to maintain and improve Bass Coast's road and pathways network
- $18.8 million on waste services
- $12.1 million to upgrade community facilities
The Proposed Budget was made available for public comment following the April Council Meeting and five submissions were received. Of those, two were heard in person.
In response to the submissions received from the community and additional information that has been provided since the release of the draft Budget, there were a number of changes to the final 2022-23 Annual Budget.
These changes include the allocation of funding towards:
- Rhyll Playground - $270,000
- 'For Our Future' Arts Collaboration - $50,000
- Blue Gum Community Garden - $278,000
- Refurbishment of the former CFA Building in Cowes - $185,000
- Cowes Recreation masterplan - $80,000
- Corinella Bowls Club disability access toilet design - $30,000
- Crown Land Strategic Review - $30,000
Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Michael Whelan, said the Annual Budget supports the delivery of over 100 services to the community and Council's ongoing commitment to providing accessible, affordable and sustainable services for all Bass Coast communities.
"There is money being spent Shire wide, which is a great outcome for the community," Cr Whelan said.
"We are mindful of the rise of cost of living and our Budget is in line with the State Government rate cap, which represents a third of the current inflation rate of 5.1% per annum.
"Additionally, a user pays approach to the waste charge calculation has resulted in a $8.84 (1.8%) reduction in the standard household waste charge."
As part of the Budget, Council has set User Fee and Charges for 2022-23, with a demonstrated consideration of best value principles including accessibility, affordability and the efficient cost of services.
Cr Whelan said that an Annual Action Plan has been developed that includes 24 actions, to support progress towards the achievement of the Council Plan 2021-25.
"These actions represent the priorities for Council during 2022-23 and align to the strategic objectives of the Council Plan and are included within the 2022-23 Budget," Cr Whelan concluded.
Council's adopted 2022-23 Annual Budget can be found at www.engage.basscoast.vic.gov.au/22-23budget.
