Benalla Rural City Council is inviting community feedback on its recently released proposed 2024/25 Budget.
The draft budget includes an $11 million capital works program and an average rate increase of 2.75 per cent in line with the State Government’s Fair Go Rates System.
Mayor Cr Danny Claridge said that while developing the Budget Council had to balance cost of living challenges, the fallout from COVID-19, funding the delivery of services and infrastructure and Council’s long-term financial sustainability.
“Councillors have worked closely with staff over several months to develop a budget that is financially responsible and that delivers quality services and infrastructure today and into the future,” Cr Claridge said.
“The $11-million capital works program includes $2.1 million to road works, $600,000 to repair rural bridges, $450,000 to undertake vital roof repairs at the Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre, $248,000 for footpaths, and $80,000 to install solar panels on Council buildings.
“$973,000 of drainage works will also be undertaken, including much needed improvements to two drains in Benalla, William Street North and The Culdesac,” Cr Claridge said.
Cr Claridge said the Council had recognised the financial pressures households were experiencing.
“While waste charges have increased by five percent to help meet the increasing cost of waste management, other fees and charges have increased by less than CPI,” Cr Claridge said. “For example, fees for people to use the Benalla transfer station have not increased for 2024/25.
“In line with the Council Plan, the proposed 2024/25 Budget allocates significant funding to a range of important projects. These include funding to develop a masterplan for the Churchill Recreation Reserve and a Precinct Plan for the former Barkly Street campus of Benalla P-12 College.
“Allocations have also been made for the development of a much-needed Open Space strategy and a review of the Benalla Rural City Planning Scheme,” he said.
Cr Claridge encouraged the community have their say.
“It is important that people have a good look at the budget and take the opportunity to tell us what they think,” Cr Claridge said.
To learn more about the proposed budget and to provide feedback, community members are invited to attend a budget information session at 5pm Tuesday 14 May 2024 at the Benalla Civic Centre.
Budget submissions can be made online at , by email [email protected], or by post PO Box 227, Benalla 3671.
Submissions regarding the proposed 2024/25 Budget need to be received by Thursday 30 May 2024.
The Council will consider the adoption of the 2024/25 Budget on Wednesday 26 June 2024.
