Council has adopted the 2021/2022 Budget after considering submissions from the community.
Council received 34 submissions and a Committee of Council heard 12 verbal submissions on May 20 during the public exhibition period for the proposed Budget.
Mayor Cr Jennifer Alden said the community consultation process was very productive.
"Councillors carefully considered all of the submissions and we would like to thank all of those in the community who contributed to the process," Cr Alden said.
The following community submissions have been allocated funding:
- $25,000 in additional operating support for Bendigo East Swimming Pool
- Truscott Reserve Dog Park will receive funding for gates and pathways
- $100,000 to Bendigo Stadium (sponsorship supporting Bendigo Spirit)
- $62,500 per annum to Golden Dragon Museum over two years
Highlights of the response package include:
- $729,000 for new business grants to support and enhance business capabilities and improvements
- $265,000 for additional event attraction to boost the visitor economy
- $155,000 for destination marketing through targeted tourism and events
- Deferral of rates with no interest charged for those experiencing financial hardship is valued at $275,000 as part of an extended COVID-19 Financial Hardship Policy
- Around 400 fees and charges will continue to be waived or frozen for a second year in a row valued at $576,000
The Budget will invest $55.3M in key construction projects to develop and maintain various public spaces:
- $3.2M will be spent on Kennington Recreation reserve Pavilion (Harry Trott Oval)
- $1.5M for the first stage of the Municipal Baths redevelopment, a key initiative of the Rosalind Park Masterplan
- $650,000 contribution to the $7M Bendigo Botanic Gardens central hub
- Funding for renewal of the Bendigo Skate Park at its new location, Ewing Park, as part of the two year $3.35M Wheeled Sports and Community Recreation Hub Project
- $1.5M towards recreational facilities at Catherine McAuley College, Junortoun for shared use between the school and the community
- Faith Leech and Brennan Park outdoor pools will undergo significant renewal works.
The Budget includes $30.2M to build and maintain essential infrastructure:
- $13.6M will go towards renewing local roads
- $1.3M on bridges
- $3.2M for drainage works
- $3M for works on both new and existing footpaths and shared paths
- $3.8M for public furniture and fittings covering local street and sports field lighting, playgrounds, bus shelters, park benches and BBQs
- Reconstruction works on the Axedale-Kimbolton Road
The $202M operating Budget will continue to fund important services for the community including waste collection, maintenance of parks, gardens and recreation facilities, early years service, environmental health, Bendigo Art Gallery, The Capital and Ulumbarra theatres and much more.
"This is a sustainable and strategic Budget that seeks to build on existing initiatives to support our region's COVID-19 recovery and we've prioritised new and existing projects that will enhance the liveability of our community."
To view the 2021/2022 Budget, visit https://www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/About/Budget
