Colac Otway Budget Consultation Open
Published on 23 December 2024
The Colac Otway community can help shape Council’s upcoming budget, with preliminary consultation now open.
As the budget process begins, Council is seeking community input on what they would like to see in the 2025-26 budget and what they think the priorities should be.
It’s as simple as filling out a form on Council’s website at www.colacotway.vic.gov.au/2025-26-Council-Budget
Mayor Cr Jason Schram encouraged residents, ratepayers, clubs and businesses to provide feedback and ideas now, so Council can consider them during the budgeting process.
“We’re keen to hear what the Colac Otway community is interested in having included in the budget. This is a good opportunity to consider projects that are important to you, whether it be roads, footpaths, facilities, events or Council services,” Cr Schram said.
“Councillors value the community’s ideas about what projects, services or issues need our focus as we develop the 2025-26 budget,” he said.
“Council relies on rates and government funding to provide essential services and we want to make sure we make the best use of this money,” Cr Schram said.
“While we might not be able to include everyone’s great idea in the final budget, this gives us a good overview about community priorities that we can strive towards in this budget and future budgets,” he said.
“Developing a budget is one of the most important things we do every year at Council. It’s a thorough process that balances our governance responsibilities with the community’s needs, wants and ambitions.”
This won't be the only opportunity to have input into the budget. The Draft 2025-26 Budget will be open for public comment for about 4-5 weeks the first half of in 2025 to allow the community to provide their feedback in writing and also in person at a Submissions Committee Meeting planned for June 2025.
The current round of submissions closes at 5pm on Tuesday 28 January 2025.
In addition, Council will open consultation early in the new year for the Council Plan 2025-2029. This plan will set out strategic goals and priorities for Council over the coming four years.