AT Tuesday night’s ordinary council meeting, the draft Wellington Shire 2023/24 budget was unveiled.

Council’s total general rate increase has been capped by the Essential Services Commission at 3.5 per cent, in line with the state government’s Fair Go Rates System.

Council must maintain and enhance services, while working within this cap.

Councillor Marcus McKenzie explained that the draft budget was a 72-page document that outlined the broad range of services and infrastructure projects for the community, along with the funding required to pay for them.

“Care has been taken to prepare a detailed annual budget based on our balanced and responsible 10-year financial plan,” he said.

Consultation with the community on the draft budget is now open until 5pm Monday, May 8 2023. Submissions can be sent online, in-person or via mail. Council will consider the submissions received in relation to the 2023/24 Budget at a special council meeting on Thursday, May 18. During this meeting, Wellington Shire residents will have the option to attend and add a submission, before council adopts the budget at a council meeting on June 6.

The draft budget highlights a number of priority projects and capital works, listed at the end of this article.

The 2023/24 current year capital works program will be $44.2 million, with $33.4 million funded from council operations and $10.7 million from external grants and contributions.
A further $10.5 million will be spent in rural areas on regular maintenance programs, including roadside vegetation management, fire breaks, rural road reseals and drainage, and gravel roads. Another $9.4 million will be invested in maintaining infrastructure and open spaces.

Wellington Shire Council Mayor Ian Bye said putting a budget together was complicated.
“It’s not easy to balance the books for any organisation, let alone one with so many variables that we have in council,” Cr Bye said.

“(The budget is) looking fantastic. The balance sheet’s still strong. We have a great team that’s put that together.

“We look forward to working with the community to deliver these exciting projects throughout the coming year.”

Cr Bye said Wellington Shire delivers services and initiatives across 145 service areas, and each contributes to the strategic objectives set out in the four-year council plan.

“These priority areas are environment and climate change; economy and sustainable growth; liveability and wellbeing; and services and infrastructure,” he said.

“A key focus of this budget is to continue working towards a renewable energy future, achieved through land prioritisation to support broad investment in our region. The budget also shows a commitment to creating a diverse economy, with a focus on new opportunities and infrastructure to support a growing population.

“The Middle of Everywhere will continue to promote the local region as an events and destination hub, securing opportunities to showcase Wellington Shire as a place to live, explore, learn, invest, and do business.

“To that end, we will continue to present events including the successful ANZAC Weekend Airshow, showcasing the West Sale Airport, and attracting over 10,000 visitors across two days. Our ongoing commitment to ensuring Wellington is a liveable, engaged and supported community can (be) seen throughout this budget.

“Funding has been allocated to plan for a new community facility at Gibsons Road in Sale, to support early years needs and achieve the recommendations in the Sale Feasibility Study, with a focus on supporting young families.”

During the meeting, it was noted that the contract on the multi-million-dollar redevelopment at Aqua Energy Leisure Centre was deferred until the start of the next financial year. It’s still highlighted as a major council project.

Cr Bye also mentioned work to finalise the Yarram Early Learning Centre expansion and council’s Preparing Remote Emergency Relief Centres project, which features upgrades to key community facilities in remote and regional areas.

“This work will support emergency planning and readiness, along with some of our most vulnerable residents,” Cr Bye said.

A new portable stage will provide smaller towns the opportunity to host events and live performances. Locals can also look forward to an Annemieke Mein exhibition at the Gippsland Art Gallery, and Day @ The Port will return next year.

A total of $1 million will be invested into new and upgraded footpaths, including the renewal of the walking path at the Yarram Wetlands, and the completion of the Great Southern Rail Trail between Welshpool and Alberton.

To read the full draft budget or to find out how to make a submission, visit wellington.vic.gov.au/public-notices/draft-council-budget-2023-24

 

Wellington Shire Council has highlighted the following key projects:

  • Sale-Toongabbie Road – reconstruction and widening
  • Stratford – Electric Vehicle Charger
  • Yarram – Rodgers Street reconstruction
  • Road slip rectification to many rural roads including Licola-Jamieson Road, Licola; Dargo High Plains Rd, Dargo; Wonnangatta Rd, Dargo; Freestone Creek Rd, Briagolong and Christies-Albert River Rd, Wonyip
  • $3.5 million Rural and Urban Road Resealing Program across Wellington Shire
  • Sale North East Drainage and Wetland Development
  • Sale – Aqua Energy Redevelopment

 

Capital works program:

  • $16.7 million – roads including annual road reseal and re-sheeting program
  • $4.4 million – footpaths and shared paths
  • $3.8 million – bridges and drainage
  • $1.8 million – recreational leisure and open spaces