Council adopts 2022-23 draft budget

Published on 18 May 2022

West Wimmera Shire Council has adopted its 2022-23 draft budget and the community is now invited to provide feedback.

Council endorsed the draft budget at its May council meeting on Wednesday.

The 2022-23 draft budget has a total income of $31.257 million and a total expenditure of $31.257 million.

The capital works program will be $11.273 million, which is up from $8.075 last year.

This money will be spent on infrastructure ($7.26 million), plant and equipment ($1.66 million) and property ($2.35 million).

The draft budget includes a rate cap increase of 1.75%, which is an increase of $27.59 to the base average rate for the previous year. 

Mayor Bruce Meyer said it was a balanced budget that would serve the community well over the next year.

“As Councillors, it is our job to listen to community sentiment and understand their priorities,” he said.

“We have consistently heard that Council’s services are valued by the community, and that Council also needed to be financially responsible and keep its rates as low as possible.

“After extensive consultation with the community, Council adopted it's 2021-25 Council Plan in October 2021. That plan has helped guide our 2022-23 draft budget.”

Cr Meyer said the draft budget proposed a significant focus on community projects and initiatives.

“Council plans to commit significant funds to match potential funding opportunities, with further funding committed to preparing 'shovel-ready' initiatives, to allow Council to capitalise on possible future opportunities.”

Cr Meyer said the draft budget also prioritised the renewal of large assets, including roads, drainage, and shire-owned buildings.

“We plan to make a positive impact on meeting maintenance and renewal requirements of Council's assets,” he said.

This 2022-23 draft budget proposes a significant capital works program of $11.27million.

Council's road network will be a priority for the year ahead, with $6.8 million capital expenditure planned for roads.

The draft budget proposes $6.07million is to be spent on renewing Council's existing road network and $0.52 million will be set aside for upgrades.

Cr Meyer said the draft budget also had a strong focus on community, with funding proposed to facilitate the Edenhope childcare service at the conclusion of the pilot program.

The draft budget and the annual plan is now available on Council’s website, via the ‘Have Your Say’ section.

Residents can provide feedback to the draft budget until 5pm on June 14. Online feedback forms are available at https://www.westwimmera.vic.gov.au/Have-Your-Say/West-Wimmera-Shire-budget-2022-23

Feedback can also be emailed directly to ceo@westwimmera.vic.gov.au.