Surf Coast Shire councillors last night resolved to adopt the Budget Report 2021-22 following public exhibition and consideration of submissions.
"I'm pleased we will be able to deliver this budget, which has been carefully developed to meet the needs of our community," said Mayor Libby Stapleton.
"This is an exciting time to live in the Surf Coast Shire and we have much to look forward to in terms of upcoming community facilities and infrastructure for our growing population base," said Mayor Stapleton, "balanced with our commitment towards environmental stewardship."
Included in the Budget Report 2021-22 is $100,000 worth of initiatives that directly respond to community submissions ranging from an extension of a walkway in Aireys Inlet, and contributions to the Surf Coast Arts Space (SCAS) multi-arts centre and Aireys Inlet Open Mic Festival.
This funding stream also includes the Winchelsea Arboretum and Tree Trail seed funding, interim traffic calming solutions for Bellbrae students riding to school, and the Community Garden 3231 shed repairs and shipping container storage contributions.
The adoption of the Budget Report 2021-22 also ensures Council becomes a certified carbon neutral organisation by the end of the financial year 2021-22, through the Federal Government's Climate Active program.
Other investments in the budget to support the environment include the continued funding of Council's Towards Environmental Leadership program, preparing the next section of the Anglesea Landfill, and further work to transition Council buildings to use of renewable energy.
Providing community infrastructure is also key with a $28 million spend on capital works to create active and connected communities, as well as $16.68 million for road upgrades, maintenance and renewal, and $400,000 for Council's road safety program. There is also provision for sealing upgrades of Lorne's Allenvale Road,
Other investments include Council's contribution of $1M of its $5.75M commitment to the $39.25M Surf Coast Aquatic and Health Centre, alongside $13.5M from the Victorian Government and $20M Australian Government contributions.
The budget includes a proposed rate increase of 1.5 percent – aligning with the rate cap set by the Victorian Government. The waste charges will also increase by 1.4 percent to enable many of the environmental reforms to be funded.
To view the Budget Report 2021-22 go to www.surfcoast.vic.gov.au/DraftBudget21-22.
Key projects in the Budget 2021-22 Report
- Anglesea Landfill stage 3E works - $1,010,000
- Surf Coast Aquatic and Health Centre - $1,000,000 (plus $4,750,000 borrowings in 2023-24)
- Barwon Park Road shoulder widening and reconstruction - $962,500
- Anglesea Netball pavilion redevelopment (subject to successful grant) - $676,120
- Bell Street, Torquay pavement rehabilitation (Surf Coast Hwy to The Esplanade) - $432,000
- Solar and energy savings at Council sites business case - $375,054
- Environmental Leadership Program- $280,000 ($30,000 partly funds the Carbon Neutrality Program)
- Council Carbon Neutrality Program - $185,267
- Sealed Road Renewal - Reservoir Road (Cape Otway Rd to Ervins Rd) - $150,000
- Torquay waste drop off operations trial - $140,966
- Pennyroyal Valley Road resheeting and drainage works - $132,000
- Stribling Reserve reconstruction of netball court - $124,000
- Facility improvements annual implementation plan (Disability Discrimination Act) - $100,000
- Wensleydale Station Road (Casboults to Holloways Road) unsealed shoulder renewal - $77,000
- Former Winchelsea Shire Hall modifications - $72,500
- Heritage Study stage 3 Winchelsea district - $44,000
- Anglesea Arts Space works - $40,000
- Lorne Men's Shed drainage upgrade - $ 28,293
- Aireys Inlet Top Shops drainage works - $ 27,500
- Public art allocation - $25,000
