Essential services and facilities a priority in Draft Budget 2017/18

Published on 04 May 2017

Mildura Rural City Council’s $122 million Draft Budget 2017/18 was approved by Councillors at a Special Meeting last night, paving the way for the document to go out for public comment.

Mayor Glenn Milne said this year’s budget had a sharp focus on upgrading and maintaining key services and facilities in the region, with more than $33 million in capital works planned, including:

• $13.69 million to maintain and upgrade the municipality’s extensive sealed and unsealed road network, including major upgrades to Madden Avenue in Mildura and Yelta Road at Merbein West.
• $6.7 million for drainage infrastructure upgrades.
• $2.1 million for parks, open spaces and streetscapes, including new equipment for Park for Play and beautifying the entrance to Mildura from the George Chaffey Bridge.
• $1.9 million for waste and recycling services, including relocating the AroundAgain drop-off point at Mildura Landfill and construction of the Ouyen Transfer Station.

Cr Milne said the focus on essential services and facilities, and the absence of individual major projects in this year’s budget, was a reflection on the need to balance spending with the impacts of rate capping, as well as Council’s ongoing efforts to keep rate increases to a minimum.

“The reality of keeping rates as low as we can, combined with rate capping, is that we aren’t able to focus on major projects without significant external support,” Cr Milne said.

“If we are going to embark on major projects, we need to work harder at getting private or government funding to contribute a fair share.

“As a community, we need to balance the fact that new infrastructure also requires additional recurrent operational maintenance, while at the same time we need to continue to strive to keep our rates low – we cannot have both.”

Cr Milne said maintaining and improving the existing infrastructure and services that residents rely on should always be a priority.

“We need to make sure our infrastructure and services are meeting the needs of the community, but at the same time, if we do undertake major works to our existing infrastructure, we need to justify the need in the community to ensure ratepayer’s money is spent responsibly,” he said.

Chief Executive Officer Gerard José highlighted Council’s continued push to keep rates low.

“The Draft Budget proposes a rate increase of two per cent, in line with the Victorian Government’s rate capping policy. This continues the steady decline in rate increases Council has achieved over the past five years,” Mr José said.

“Council staff will continue to review all services and make recommendations to improve efficiency and effectiveness for the community and users.

“Council proposes to collect $66.55 million through rates in the coming 12 months, which will fund 58 per cent of the total budget.

“The remaining budget will come from expected State and Federal Government grants totalling $32.52 million, with no new borrowings planned.”

The Draft Budget is now available for the public to view and provide feedback. Copies are available from Council’s website at www.mildura.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay, at Council Service Centres and libraries, or by contacting Council on (03) 5018 8100.

Mr José said two new initiatives have been introduced this year to make providing feedback even easier.

“Residents can chat directly with Council staff about the Draft Budget via our Facebook page later this month. These sessions will be held on the following dates and times: Tuesday, 23 May from 7pm to 8pm, Thursday, 25 May from 12pm to 1pm, and Tuesday, 30 May from 7pm to 8pm. To participate, simply send a Direct Message to the Mildura Rural City Council Facebook page during these times.

“Submissions can also be lodged online by visiting www.mildura.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay. “

Alternatively, residents can email their submissions to mrcc@mildura.vic.gov.au or post them to Mildura Rural City Council, PO Box 105 Mildura, Victoria, 3500.

Mr José reminded residents that submissions must be lodged before 5pm on Monday, 5 June. The proposed Budget will then go before Council on Thursday, 22 June for final debate and adoption.