Baw Baw Shire Council is inviting community submissions in response to the recently published draft Annual Budget 2022/23, Long Term Infrastructure Plan, Council Plan Annual Review, Revenue and Rating Plan, and Long Term Financial Plan.
Together, these 5 key documents detail Council's strategic direction and financial allocations for the upcoming budget year. The drafts have been placed on exhibition for community review following last night's Council meeting.
To ensure each document aligns with the community's expectations and long-term aspirations for the Shire, Council is inviting all residents, community groups, clubs and organisations to provide their feedback and make submissions in response to any or all the documents during the period from Thursday 14 April to Sunday 8 May 2022.
Draft Annual Budget 2022/23
The 2022/23 Annual Budget represents an income of $116.692 million and an expenditure of $91.934 million. The balance, when adjusted to exclude non-recurrent infrastructure grants and capital contributions from other sources, arrives at an adjusted deficit of $2.276 million.
This deficit reflects a financial position consistent with the current rate-capping environment of 1.75 per cent and the challenges of working amidst rising costs and a rapidly growing population which is putting increasing demand on Council services and increased pressure and wear on infrastructure.
Despite the challenges, the draft Annual Budget 2022/23 delivers positive material outcomes for the benefit of everyone who lives, works, studies and invests in Baw Baw Shire.
Continued major investment in Capital Works projects throughout the Shire is a key theme. Totalling $41.367 million – an increase of $2.690 million on the previous year – the Capital Works program's significant projects include:
- Baw Baw Culture and Connection Precinct Stage 1 - $6.500 million*
- Warragul Indoor Stadium Stage 1 - $4.050 million
- Rokeby Noojee Trail - $1.500 million*
- Bellbird Park East Multi Use Pavilion - $2.170 million
- Roads reconstruction program - $2.000 million
*Subject to State and/or Federal Government grant support.
The draft Budget also funds a series of new initiatives to a net cost $1.2 million to address the pressing needs and service delivery expectations of the community, including investment in Statutory Planning and Enforcement, Strategic Planning, Infrastructure Planning and Maintenance, Waste and works that relate to Vegetation Protection.
Click here to view Council's Draft 2022/23 Annual Budget
Draft Long Term Infrastructure Plan 2022/23 – 2031/32
In addition to the key projects already highlighted above, significant projects include:
- $2.05 million to commence the upgrade of the pavilion, sports lighting and car parking at Baxter Park, Warragul*
- $1.87 million to prepare and reseal over 200,000m2 of roads across the Shire.
- $1.35 million on community facility renewals
- $450,000 for sports and playground equipment including skate and BMX, as well as open space furniture replacement
- $400,000 to commence detailed design for bridge and major culvert replacement on Factory Road, Yarragon, Falls Road, Narracan and East-West Road, Darnum
*Subject to State and/or Federal Government grant support.
Council Plan 2021-2025 (Annual Review 2022/23)
This year's Council Plan Annual Review includes major initiatives, key projects and service resourcing for core Council services including planning, infrastructure delivery and open space planning in response to the growth and development throughout the Shire.
Draft Revenue and Rating Plan 2022/23
Click here to view Council's draft Revenue and Rating Plan 2022/23
Draft Long Term Financial Plan
How to make a submission
There are various ways in which the community can make a submission to Council in response to the 2022/23 draft Annual Budget, LTIP, Council Plan Annual Review, Revenue and Rating Plan, and Long Term Financial Plan:
Via the online form – Council will receive budget submissions from the community until Sunday 8 May 2022.
