Council adopts 2023-24 draft budget

Published on 24 May 2023

West Wimmera Shire Council has adopted its 2023-24 draft budget and the community is now invited to provide feedback.

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

The 2023-24 draft budget has a total income of $27.632 million and a total expenditure of $27.316 million.

The capital works program will be $11.71 million.

Council’s roads and infrastructure network remains top priority for the capital work program, with more than $5.75 million allocated towards upgrades, renewals, and maintenance and for new road projects Council wide.

The 2023-24 draft budget includes a rate increase of 3.50%.

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

Cr Meyer said roads was a big focus of this year’s budget.

“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.

“We have also heard that residents want more money spend on upgrading our road network.”

Cr Meyer said the draft budget would also add further benefit to community projects and initiatives.

“Council plans to commit further funding 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.

The 2023-24 draft budget and 2023-24 annual plan are 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 here