By Bonny Burrows
In a relief for ratepayers, Cardinia Shire Council’s draft 2017-18 budget reflects a low 2 per cent rate increase but the proposal is not without its challenges.
Months in the making, the draft financial document is open for public consultation following councillors backing of the plan at their 3 April special council meeting.
It is the second budget to be affected by the State Government’s Fair Go Rates system that will see rate rises capped in according with the Melbourne Consumer Price Index.
According to the council, the historical low rate increase was able to be achieved due to strong financial planning over the past five years and the negotiation of a significant asset sale which provided a three-year income stream.
Councillors admit it will still be a challenge to maintain key services at current levels with the 2 per cent increase but they say they are dedicated to doing so.
The budget includes $44.86 million for capitol works – up from $36.79 million on 2016-17, with new projects totalling $21.49 of this money.
James Bathe Recreation Reserve has been allocated $2.720 million and $6.825 million has been put aside for Deep Creek Reserve.
Lang Lang Recreation Facility and Comely Banks’ children’s facility will also receive multi-million investments if the budget is implemented.
The draft budget won the support of all councillors who voted unanimously to open it to public consultation.
However, Deputy Mayor Jodie Owen said the introduction of rate capping meant that state and federal governments needed to step up and bear their share of the costs.
Currently, 78.3 per cent of the council’s revenue is received through rates and charges, with the remainder coming from government grants and developer contributions.
“There’s got to be a real push moving forward to make sure state and federal governments shift these costs off council to where it should be, councillor Owen said.
Councillor Colin Ross, who has voted against excessive increases in previous years, said he was confident the budget would win public support.
“I think people in the community will have little to complain about with this budget,” Cr Ross said.
The council will host a series of information sessions to gauge community response before the budget is signed off.
Mayor Brett Owen said resident involvement was integral.
“Council encourages the community to take the time to read these documents,” councillor Owen said.
The council will consider adopting the budget at a Special Council Meeting to be held on Monday 29 May.
For more information on the draft budget and the community information sessions visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au.
