Council’s Budget, Asset Plan and Annual Plan Adopted
June 30, 2022
Council last night adopted its Budget for 2022—23 (including Fees and Charges), following public exhibition. It was developed in the context of Council’s 10-year Financial Plan and guided by the Revenue and Ratings Plan and Workforce Plan.
“We’re pleased the Budget has been adopted by Council,” said Chief Executive Officer, Anne Howard. “It meets important demands for services and infrastructure, while remaining affordable for our community. It will get us back on track following the constraints of COVID-19 restrictions.”
“Running a business like Colac Otway Shire Council is complex and this Budget will help guide our organisation through to the next financial year,” said Mayor Hanson. “It’s been a long process, but there was great discussion along the way; the quality of this document is very good.”
The Budget 2022—23 includes a 1.75 per cent average rate increase, which is in line with the Fair Go Rates system rate cap.
The Budget sets out further $12.33 million to be spent in capital works projects, of which $8.69 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.
Major items of capital expenditure within the adopted Budget are:
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 $0.425m
Footpath renewal $0.179m
Stormwater renewal and upgrade $0.140m
“I thank those who contributed submissions during the public exhibition process and Council looks forward to delivering the key projects and infrastructure improvements outlined in the Budget,” said Ms Howard. “The Council’s progress on implementation of the Budget is presented in the Annual Report in October each year.”
Find out more about the Budget for 2022-23.
At the meeting, Council also adopted its Asset Plan 2022-23 – 2031-32, following public exhibition. It will sit alongside Council’s Financial Plan, two key long term source allocation and management planning documents.
The Asset Plan sets out how we will maintain long life assets such as Buildings, Roads, Bridges, Pathways, Stormwater and Open Space and Recreation assets, as well as long life assets such as Plant and Fleet, and intangible assets, such as software.
“This is a great plan and a great step forward,” said deputy mayor, Cr Costin. “It’s just plain good management.”
Find out more about the Asset Plan 2022-23 – 2031-32.
Council’s Annual Plan was the third important strategy document adopted by Council last night. This is an operational plan that provides a snapshot of what the Council will do over a 12-month period to make progress towards the priorities it has committed to delivering in its 4-year Council Plan 2021-2025. During each financial year, a Quarterly Performance Report is prepared for Council showing Annual Plan Progress.
Read the Annual Plan on our website.
Council Enquiries
(03) 5232 9400