$3.7 million has been allocated for the Wonthaggi to Inverloch Shared Path. THE Wonthaggi-Inverloch shared pathway is the single ‘big ticket’ item in Bass Coast’s draft budget for 2024-25.
Bass Coast ratepayers will pay an average 2.75% more in a budget described by Mayor Clare Le Serve as ‘conservative and responsible’.
It provides for total expenditure of $103.6 million, including almost $25 million on capital works, and projects an operating surplus of $4.3 million with a small underlying deficit of $66,000.
The capital works allocation for `24-25 is down 18% on last year’s allocation as councillors opted to maintain services rather than splash out on new infrastructure.
Bass Coast ratepayers will pay an average 2.75% more in a budget described by Mayor Clare Le Serve as ‘conservative and responsible’.
It provides for total expenditure of $103.6 million, including almost $25 million on capital works, and projects an operating surplus of $4.3 million with a small underlying deficit of $66,000.
The capital works allocation for `24-25 is down 18% on last year’s allocation as councillors opted to maintain services rather than splash out on new infrastructure.
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Cr Le Serve said the council would sustain its level of service to the community and maintain rates within the State Government rate cap of 2.75% despite inflation being well above that level.
“Council has worked hard to produce a responsible draft budget for the next financial year in the face of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, increasing expenses and inflation across all sectors of our community. “This is a conservative and responsible budget given the current economic climate, which is placing additional financial burdens on our community and stretching households beyond their means. “Council has not been immune to rising costs, but we have responded to economic headwinds by continually seeking efficiencies in the way we operate to minimise the impact on our community. |
Budget Highlights
$13.4m on road network, including: Grantville Glen Alvie Road $2.0m Investment in Urban Roads Renewal $1.3m Berrys Beach Road and Ventnor Road Culvert $1.2m $4.1m on footpath network, including: Wonthaggi to Inverloch Shared Path $3.7m Pathway Renewal & Upgrade Program $416,000 $17.3m on Waste Services, including: Waste Services $15.3m Landfill Rehabilitation $950,000 $11.5m on Leisure and Recreational facilities, including: Parks, Reserves and facilities management and maintenance $5.5m Art Centre Services at WUCAC and Berninneit $2.3m Leisure Facilities management, support, and maintenance $1.9m Sporting Fields Upgrade $650,000 Community Dog Parks $100,000 |
“This draft budget aims to ensure that Council’s financial position will remain sound with ongoing operating surpluses and important investment in capital works.”
The council has been affected by increasing expenses, which are sitting at levels well above the State Government mandated rate cap of 2.75% and stagnant non-rates income growth. A strict cost containment discipline in conjunction with targeted efficiencies has enabled the development of a balanced budget for 2024/25.
The draft capital works program includes $17.5 million to improve Bass Coast’s transport network including $3.7 million for the Wonthaggi to Inverloch Shared Path.
The budget reaffirms an ongoing commitment to mitigating the impact of climate change, with items related to the council’s 2019 Climate Action Plan:
Bass Coast is one of Victoria’s fastest growing regions with population growth of almost 2.2 per cent in the past year.
“We will continue to advocate to the State and Federal governments for support to deliver major intergenerational capital projects well into the future,” Cr Le Serve said.
The council has been affected by increasing expenses, which are sitting at levels well above the State Government mandated rate cap of 2.75% and stagnant non-rates income growth. A strict cost containment discipline in conjunction with targeted efficiencies has enabled the development of a balanced budget for 2024/25.
The draft capital works program includes $17.5 million to improve Bass Coast’s transport network including $3.7 million for the Wonthaggi to Inverloch Shared Path.
The budget reaffirms an ongoing commitment to mitigating the impact of climate change, with items related to the council’s 2019 Climate Action Plan:
- EV fast-charging stations in Grantville, Newhaven, Wonthaggi, and Inverloch
- Council fleet EV charging stations
- Updating Bass Coast’s Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) Policy
- Climate resilience toolkit and campaign
- Energy efficiency and solar upgrades at council facilities
- Biolinks program
- Improving pedestrian friendly aspects of our townships
- Farmers’ rebate for active land management practices
- Delivering the Urban Forest Strategy.
- Coastal erosion management
Bass Coast is one of Victoria’s fastest growing regions with population growth of almost 2.2 per cent in the past year.
“We will continue to advocate to the State and Federal governments for support to deliver major intergenerational capital projects well into the future,” Cr Le Serve said.
Community consultation
Open until May 16, including several pop-up sessions:
* Grantville: Sunday 21 April 10am to 2pm (Grantville Family Fun Day)
* Cowes: Tuesday 30 April 11am to 2pm Berninneit
* Wonthaggi: Thursday 2 May 12 to 2:30pm
* Inverloch: Tuesday 7 May 10am to 12:30pm
To read the 2024/25 draft Budget and provide your feedback visit Annual Budget 2024-25 | Engage Bass Coast
Open until May 16, including several pop-up sessions:
* Grantville: Sunday 21 April 10am to 2pm (Grantville Family Fun Day)
* Cowes: Tuesday 30 April 11am to 2pm Berninneit
* Wonthaggi: Thursday 2 May 12 to 2:30pm
* Inverloch: Tuesday 7 May 10am to 12:30pm
To read the 2024/25 draft Budget and provide your feedback visit Annual Budget 2024-25 | Engage Bass Coast