A $36.4 million capital works program — including important funding for the Winchelsea Pool upgrade and Surf Coast Aquatic and Health Centre — features in Surf Coast Shire Council's Budget 2023-24.
The Budget was adopted at the June Council meeting, prioritising allocations to services, projects and initiatives that align with the Council Plan and community vision: "we are an active, diverse community that lives creatively to value, protect and enhance the natural environment and our unique neighbourhoods".
"We know that major infrastructure projects bring important benefits, highlighted by recently completed projects such as the Stribling Reserve Pavilions Redevelopment which continues to be a valuable community asset in Lorne since its official opening last year," Mayor Liz Pattison said.
"The $5.8 million allocation in the 2023-24 Budget for the Surf Coast Aquatic and Health Centre and the $4.58 million towards the Winchelsea Pool renewal are vital for this pair of multi-year projects, which will provide significant health and wellbeing benefits."
The Budget was adopted following a feedback period which attracted 16 community submissions.
"Thank you to people who took the time to make a submission," Mayor Pattison said. "It is helpful to hear from community members about their needs and expectations when developing the budget. Requests for additional funding are not easily accommodated as it most likely would require a reduction in expenditure in another important area."
"We were pleased to receive submissions that supported the Winchelsea Arboretum Trail, Spring Creek pedestrian bridge, and Coombes Road upgrades. These important projects have funding allocated and will progress in the financial year ahead."
"Council will look to support community members to progress some of the other requests, including a local artwork register, Anglesea and District Historical Society building improvements, Winchelsea Common projects, and Spring Valley Park basketball pad in Torquay."
The Coombes Road-Messmate Road intersection upgrade ($879,102) features in the 2023-24 Budget, along with Eastern Reserve ($318,000) and Stribling Reserve netball courts renewal ($162,000), Karaaf Wetlands improvement works ($2 million), and Anglesea Ward unsealed road renewal program ($303,000). There is also a Surf Coast Highway-Bristol Road intersection upgrade ($2.7 million), pathways improvement in Winchelsea's Anderson Street ($102,009), and Mountjoy Parade footpath renewal from Bay Street to Beal Street in Lorne ($47,000).
Shire-wide allocations in the 2023-24 Budget include:
- A total $15 million allocation to deliver road upgrades, maintenance and renewal across the shire.
- A $1.4 million climate action and environment allocation. There is also $292,311 for a solar and energy transitions program – both showing Council's commitment to environmental leadership.
- A total of $100,000 housing crisis resources focusing on coastal communities will help Council play its role in the affordable accommodation crisis.
- A $75,000 allocation to improve accessibility at various facilities across the shire.
- A $30,000 increase in the community grants program will empower communities to help deliver more of their projects – making the annual allocation $141,500 in 2023-24.
The Victorian Government's rate cap of 3.5% will be implemented.
"Movements in property values can mean different rate increases for individual ratepayers however across the shire, the average rate increase will be 3.5% – well below the inflation rate, which sat at 7% in the March 2023 quarter," Mayor Pattison said.
"We know cost of living pressures are rising for many community members and we have ways to help. If you would like to access a rates payment plan, please reach out to Council."
