Baw Baw Shire Council has published its Annual Report of Operations for the year ending 30 June 2023, revealing sound financial management in the face of challenging economic conditions and significant progress towards the goals of the Community Vision and Council Plan.
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 held on 25 October at the Erica Memorial Hall.
Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Cr Annemarie McCabe says the report reveals a year filled with significant milestones, and a Council evolving alongside the changing needs and expectations of our community.
"The population of Baw Baw Shire is now estimated at just over 60,000 people – and more than 11,000 registered cats and dogs!" says Mayor McCabe. "By 2041, our region will be home to almost 90,000 people. Council now manages and maintains nearly $1 billion in worth of roads, open spaces and other infrastructure and assets on behalf of our community.
"Over the past financial year, we resealed 235,000 square metres of road and undertook 31,000 square metres of large pavement repairs. That is roughly equivalent to paving over the entire surface of the MCG more than 13 times in 12 months – quite an accomplishment, given the extraordinary rainfalls we experienced throughout the winter of 2022."
"However, we know that as our community grows and evolves, needs and expectations grow and evolve too. Early learning centres, places of cultural connection, thriving local groups and healthy environments all play pivotal roles in the wellbeing of any community."
"In the past financial year, in addition to maintaining a road network of nearly 1,800 kilometres and delivering almost 2 million scheduled garbage and recycling bin pick-ups, our advocacy to the State Government delivered a 132-place dual room kinder at Drouin West Primary School, expanded the Longwarry Kindergarten and secured additional funding towards planning in service of the 'Best Start, Best Life' reforms."
"We introduced a new and improved Community Grants program that makes it easier than ever for eligible community groups to receive Council funding support. And, we adopted a new Environmental Sustainability Strategy that will reduce energy use and emissions, support sustainable and resilient communities, protect the natural environment and shift us towards a circular economy."
CEO Mark Dupe says sound financial management is key to any Council's ability to deliver for residents and is pleased to report a strong position in the face of a challenging economic climate.
"Our financial position remains strong despite skills and materials shortages, inflation and rising interest rates over the past year," says Mr Dupe. "The financial and performance indicators you will find within this report are a testament to the hard work of our dedicated officers, the strategic leadership of the Council, and the invaluable input and engagement of our community."
The Baw Baw Shire Council Annual Report of Operations 2022/23 is available now via Council's website, with hard copies available to view at Council Customer Service centres from next week.
"I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to every community member who has contributed their ideas, volunteered their time or spread the word about important initiatives over the past year and encourage you to stay engaged with us in the years ahead," says Mayor McCabe.
"Ultimately, our role as Council is not merely about governance. It is about translating your vision for the Shire into tangible realities. I look forward to working ever closer with our community to continue to build a sustainable, healthy and thriving Baw Baw Shire – now and for years to come."
Click here to view Annual Report 2022/23 in full.
