Draft 2023-24 Budget and proposed fees & charges open for feedback
Published on 04 May 2023
Council endorses Draft 2023-24 Budget and proposed fees and charges for consultation
Investment in community halls, capital works projects and support for community groups are some of the key components listed in the 2023-24 Colac Otway Shire Draft Budget.
Community members are encouraged to provide their feedback on the Draft Budget and proposed fees and charges which are now on exhibition to Monday 5 June.
Mayor Chris Potter said public feedback is important to the budget development process.
“The 2023-24 Draft Budget and proposed fees sets out Council’s commitment to delivering services and infrastructure for Colac Otway while taking into account long-term financial challenges, I encourage community members to take a look and tell us what you think.
The 2023-24 Draft Budget includes a 3.5 per cent average rate increase in line with the State Government’s Fair Go Rates System.
“The annual increase in rate revenue is essential for Council’s future viability, and ability to support the community,” Cr Potter said.
“The proposed Budget will allow Council to invest a further $8.7 million toward capital works projects of which over $7 million is directed to the renewal of existing assets to ensure our assets continue to support economic prosperity and healthy connected communities.
“Council also acknowledge our halls are a vitally important part of our small towns and communities providing a space for groups and individual to meet, play, exercise and socialise. This Draft Budget includes a commitment of more than $870,000 toward refreshing our community halls and play spaces to support that.
“The 2023-24 Draft Budget has been developed over many months, with Council officers working collaboratively with Councillors at nine budget workshop sessions; we look forward to our community providing their thoughts and ideas on the draft on what’s proposed.”
Key Projects in the 2023-24 budget include:
- Bridge Renewal Program $244,000
- Building Renewal Program $1 million
- Forrest Caravan Park Wastewater system $450,000
- Kennett River wetland sediment removal $50,000
- Small Halls Renewal Program $120,000
- Footpath and pedestrian connections $182,000
- Birregurra playspace redevelopment $275,000
- Elliminyt tennis court resurfacing and fence repair $250,000
- Public street litter bin replacement program $120,000
- Paradise Picnic Reserve facility improvement $50,000
- Street Planting Program 2023-24 $60,000
- Road Reseal Renewal Program $1 million
- Unsealed Road Resheeting Program $1 million
To view the 2023-24 Draft Budget, proposed fees and charges and for details on how to make a submission, visit Council’s website. Submissions close 5pm Monday 5 June.