Murrindindi Shire Council will change the way it approaches budget processes to ensure the community’s priorities and expectations are considered at the outset.
Kinglake Ward Councillor Leigh Dunscombe said this year we will be asking for your input and ideas at the beginning of the budget process about what should be included.
“Council’s financial plan currently estimates an operating expenditure for 2019/20 of almost $35 million to provide a range of services to our residents. These services include infrastructure maintenance, rubbish and recycling collection, in-home support to older people, maternal child health services, library services, health inspections, community safety, land use planning and swimming pools just to name a few.
“We also have approximately $9.8 million allocated towards capital works projects around the municipality in the 2019/20 Budget. These projects renew, upgrade and provide assets – including community buildings, recreation assets and other infrastructure such as roads, bridges, drainage and footpaths – to meet community needs.
“Our new budget process will involve the community at two stages. First, we are gathering community ideas to help put a Draft Budget together. Second, we will put the Draft Budget on public exhibition so the community can provide feedback on our resource allocations.
“We believe this new approach to our budgets is an important step toward living our commitment to work in partnership with the community. It will also help us prioritise our work and efforts in a way which reflects the values, priorities and aspirations of the people of Murrindindi Shire.
“It can take some time however to cost-up and consider new ideas – so if you have a view about what is important to you and your community, now is the time to act! Keep in mind that capital works often need to be spread out over more than one year as they tend to be resource intensive projects and involve a lot of planning,
“Council’s budgets are really important because they shape the future of our communities and our place,” Dunscombe said.
“The ‘2019/20 Budget Survey’ only takes about five minutes to fill in and will be open until 30 September 2018. Click here to go to the Survey,” Dunscombe added.
