At its meeting last night, Campaspe Shire Council, adopted the 2024-25 Budget, reporting a $1.92 million surplus, a notable improvement from the previous year's deficit budget.
Mayor Rob Amos said that this result will allow the Council to address key community priorities.
"Over the past few years, we have faced significant challenges, particularly following the October 2022 floods. This year, the focus has been on balancing the community's immediate needs with long-term financial sustainability."
Mayor Amos said that community engagement had played a critical role in shaping this budget.
"In December 2023, we undertook six weeks of engagement seeking community input and received an overwhelming response with over 220 project ideas submitted."
After thorough evaluation, $500,000 was allocated to fund 17 community projects, including shade structures, public art installations, sporting infrastructure and the scoping (design and costings) for future splash parks.
"We also conducted a four-week community engagement regarding our fees and charges and have tried to balance what is appropriate for the community and what is financially sustainable for the organisation," he added.
Mayor Amos said that the budget has addressed concerns from the recent Community Satisfaction Survey, focusing on road maintenance, parks and recreational facilities.
"Our commitment to infrastructure renewal remains strong, with a significant $27.76 million out of the $32.60 million capital works allocation being for renewal or upgrade of Council's existing assets
"Council's commitment to maintaining and renewing its road infrastructure is supported by the recent announcement of $23 million over the next five years from the Australian Government's Roads to Recovery program will help us address the concerns that the community has voiced to us about roads, drains and footpaths.
"We know sporting facilities are also really important to the community and were thrilled to recently secure an $11.3 million federal government grant for the Echuca Vic Park Multi-Purpose development, $4.01 million of which is planned to commence delivery in 2024-25, and we are also awaiting a grant outcome for the Kyabram Wilf Cox upgrade," said the mayor.
Highlights of the capital works allocation include:
• $13.15 million for road infrastructure renewal.
• $6.31 million for new and replacement plant equipment, including portable flood pumps.
• $4.01 million for the Victoria Park Multi-Purpose development.
• $2.00 million for the continuation of the Echuca Holiday Park master plan.
• $1.64 million for the completion of Echuca Aerodrome upgrade.
• $1.28 million for the Echuca Victoria Park boat ramp and dock upgrades.
• $1.14 million for public buildings renewal.
• $0.68 million for playgrounds, parks, and recreational facilities.
• $0.63 million for the Stanhope Two Tree Road floodway bridge deck renewal.
• $0.58 million for public amenities.
• $0.55 million for dog park infrastructure in Kyabram, Tongala, and Echuca East.
• $0.05 million for swimming pool maintenance in Lockington and Colbinabbin.
Additionally, the budget has focused on projects and services outlined in the Council Plan 2021-2025, including $2.29 million for ongoing community recovery post-floods, completion of the Breen Ave shared walking path in Kyabram and upgrades to the Rushworth waste facility.
"On behalf of all Councillors I would like to thank all the teams at Council who carefully prepared this budget. It is the result of extensive consultation and review, and we thank everyone who contributed," Mayor Amos said.
