BASS Coast Shire Council adopted its 2020-21 Annual Budget at Wednesday’s council meeting.
The budget was delayed this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which provided the council with an opportunity to review its financial settings for the 2020/21 budget.
The impact of the pandemic on the community has been at the forefront of this review, with $2.8 million in economic stimulus and fee relief allocated in the 2020/21 Budget, including:
The budget was delayed this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which provided the council with an opportunity to review its financial settings for the 2020/21 budget.
The impact of the pandemic on the community has been at the forefront of this review, with $2.8 million in economic stimulus and fee relief allocated in the 2020/21 Budget, including:
- Freezing fees and charges increases for the 2020/21 financial year
- A full year waiver of business signage, footpath trading and liquor licence fees
- Three months’ rent relief to Council lessees
- Business and Event recovery support
- Fast tracking a number of strategic initiatives and capital works projects to stimulate the economy
Other highlights of the Budget include funding for the planning and/or design of a number of significant, intergenerational projects including:
In response to the submissions received from the community, there are a number of changes recommended to the final 2020/21 Budget.
These changes include allocating funding towards:
Bass Coast Mayor Brett Tessari said the council could now get to work with delivering our record $28 million capital works program outlined in the Budget.
He said it was great to see a high level of community engagement with the Budget process.
“It is important to get the community involved with the Budget process – as the final result effects everyone – ratepayers, visitors and businesses.
“It was really pleasing to see that from the 31 budget submissions we received, we were able to assist some of those with funding in the 2020/21 Budget.”
Council’s adopted Annual 2020/21 Budget can be found at www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/budget.
- Aquatics planning and design
- Detailed design of the Cowes Cultural and Community Centre
- Bass Coast Dinosaur Trail Master Plan
- Gap Road feasibility assessment and plan and planning for the proposed Phillip Island transfer station
In response to the submissions received from the community, there are a number of changes recommended to the final 2020/21 Budget.
These changes include allocating funding towards:
- Phillip Island Golf Club - $20,000
- Design of Kilcunda Skate Park - $42,000
- Tenby Point noticeboard - $2,000
- Corinella Parking and Pathway Connection - $26,000
- Grantville Amphitheatre Shelter - $25,000
- Footpath Gaps Program increased by $174,600 to complete the following:
- Ullathornes Road Footpath - $37,500
- Cashin St Footpath - $47,500
- Settlement Road Footpath - $67,000
- Bass Cenotaph Connection Path - $22,600
Bass Coast Mayor Brett Tessari said the council could now get to work with delivering our record $28 million capital works program outlined in the Budget.
He said it was great to see a high level of community engagement with the Budget process.
“It is important to get the community involved with the Budget process – as the final result effects everyone – ratepayers, visitors and businesses.
“It was really pleasing to see that from the 31 budget submissions we received, we were able to assist some of those with funding in the 2020/21 Budget.”
Council’s adopted Annual 2020/21 Budget can be found at www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/budget.