Council endorses its draft Budget for consultation
April 28, 2022
Council last night endorsed its Draft Budget for 2022-23, which will now be available for public exhibition for a period of five weeks. This Draft Budget is the first to be developed in the context of Council’s 10-year Financial Plan adopted in September 2021.
“Councillors and officers worked collaboratively to develop the draft Budget over six workshops and explored all parts of the budget including operating budgets, employee costs, waste charges, fees and charges and business cases for new initiatives and capital works,” said Chief Executive Officer, Anne Howard.
“Council has prepared a draft Budget for the 2022-23 financial year which seeks to meet important demands for services and infrastructure yet remain affordable for our community, and I look forward to hearing what the community thinks about the document.”
The Draft Budget 2022—23 includes a proposed 1.75 per cent average rate increase, which is in line with the Fair Go Rates system rate cap.
Despite a tight financial operating environment and State Government mandated rates cap, the Budget will include a net surplus of $0.29 million and a closing cash balance of $14.3 million.
The Draft Budget 2022-23 will allow Council to invest a further $12.1 million in capital works projects, of which $8.255 million is directed to Council’s asset renewal program to ensure that our assets continue to support economic prosperity and healthy connected communities.
A $5.219 million allocation to roads and bridges, which is additional to works that have already commenced in 2021-22, shows Council remains committed to ensuring its road network stays in good condition.
The Draft Budget 2022—23 has been guided by the Revenue and Ratings Plan, Workforce Plan and Long Term Financial Plan with major items of capital expenditure proposed as:
Elliminyt wetlands development $3.0m
Sealed road reconstruction program $2.5m
Heavy plant replacement $1.2m
Unsealed road reconstruction program $1.0m
Bridge renewal programme $0.984m
Building renewal programme $0.750m
Computers and telecommunications renewal and upgrade $0.455m
Major patching program $0.350m
Light fleet replacement $0.300m
Road safety $0.275m
Asset condition assessment $0.250m
Building upgrade programme $0.234m
Elliminyt Recreation Reserve oval lighting replacement $0.200m
Footpath renewal $0.179m
Stormwater renewal and upgrade $0.140m
“After a series of very unpredictable years during COVID-19, this Draft Budget aims to get us back on track to delivering key projects and infrastructure improvements in the coming financial year,” said Ms Howard. “I encourage all residents to look over the figures and provide feedback, and I thank those who contributed submissions for the Rating Strategy.”
Council considered submissions and adopted its Rating Strategy review at last night’s meeting. The final rating strategy underpins the Draft Budget 2022-23.
The Draft Budget 2022-23 will be available to view online at Council’s website, in person at our Rae Street office (open Monday to Friday 8.30am – 5pm) or the Apollo Bay Customer Service Centre (GORVIC) between 9am and 5pm daily. Email submissions through our website, via email
Council Enquiries
(03) 5232 9400