Baw Baw Shire Council has published its Annual Report of Operations for the year ending 30 June 2024.
Following the certification of its performance and financial statements by the Victorian Auditor-General's Office, the report was officially presented at the Council Meeting on Wednesday 23 October.
With an estimated population of more than 60,000, the needs of the Shire are growing and changing, and Council continues in its pursuit to achieve a sustainable, healthy and thriving community, made up of people who are proud to call Baw Baw home.
In the last 12 months, Council has significantly increased its community engagement and inclusion of residents in key Council decisions, evident through the launch of the online engagement platform Baw Baw Connect.
The launch of this digital and interactive platform has allowed Council to have more meaningful interaction with the community and coupled with the reopening of the Customer Service Centre at the West Gippsland Arts Centre, Council now has even more touchpoints with residents.
CEO Mark Dupe said that he reflects with pride on the last 12 months, and how much Council continues to deliver for a community growing at such a rapid rate.
"Council continues to deliver a high standard of facilities and services to cater for its growing community, and this year those achievements were headlined by the completion of the Warragul Leisure Centre Stadium expansion, which officially opened in July 2024," Mr Dupe said.
"Additionally, Baw Baw Shire has continued to strengthen its partnerships with other levels of government, which has resulted in huge outcomes for the Shire.
"Council received its largest ever grant, with $14.5 million from the Federal Government towards the construction of the Baw Baw Cultural and Connection Precinct – this grant is a testament to the partnerships we have created with other levels of government, and Council's consistent advocacy efforts."
He added that the range of services delivered by Council is extraordinary and demand for these continues to increase.
"The suite of services that we provide extends far and wide. Council does more than fix potholes and collect rubbish bins. We're also responsible for delivering maternal and child health services, running kindergartens, facilitating planning approvals, designing and delivering playgrounds, running recreational and aquatic facilities and libraries, and registering cats and dogs," he said.
Other highlights for the year ending 30 June 2024, include:
A Sustainable Shire:
- Baw Baw Shire Council launched its Waste App
- All Council sites and street lighting are now powered by 100% renewable energy
- 3,300 trees and shrubs were planted in reserves around Baw Baw Shire
- More than $40 million in capital works projects were delivered
A Healthy Community:
- Council adopted the Youth Strategy 2024-2028
- More than $300,000 was awarded to 69 community projects in the Shire through Council's grants program
A Thriving Community:
- Advocacy efforts increased with $18.65 million in grants received
- Coffee Vibes celebrated its first birthday at the Arts Centre
- Council hosted the inaugural Early Years Careers Expo
Fast facts from the 2023/24 Financial Year:
- Council managed 3,140 animal management requests
- More than 12,000 cats and dogs were registered in the Shire
- 733 Maternal and Child Health first home visits were made
- There were 198,375 physical library loans
- Approximately 1,146km of local roads were sealed; and
- Council received 395 planning applications.
The Baw Baw Shire Council Annual Report of Operations 2023/24 is available now via Council's website (www.bawbawshire.vic.gov.au/AnnualReport) and hard copies are available to view at Council Customer Service centres from this week.
