East Gippsland Shire Council’s Budget 2021-22 was adopted at an Unscheduled Council Meeting on Tuesday, June 29.

This budget was the first time Council had undertaken a deliberative community engagement process, including five community sessions, to help develop the document.

Mayor Cr Mendy Urie said council has complied with the Fair Go Rates System, which caps the average rate increase to 1.5 per cent in 2021-22.

“The annual budget ensures Council is appropriately resourced to deliver the works, services and initiatives set out in the Council Plan 2021-25, which was also adopted at the meeting. Because they are closely linked, we recommend reading the Council Plan and budget together to get a good understanding of the overall direction of Council,” Cr Urie said.

“Total rates and municipal charges for 2021-22 will increase by 1.5 per cent on the average 2020-21 base rates and municipal charges, but individual rate assessments will vary based on valuations undertaken by the Valuer-General Victoria.

“Council understands the challenging events our community has experienced in recent times. In recognition of the impacts of drought, the 2019-20 bushfires and COVID-19 pandemic, Council has provided additional financial assistance in 2019-20, 2020-21 and in this budget to help ratepayers, including rate waivers and rebates.”

The 2021-22 budget includes an $88.75 million capital works program which focusses on renewing infrastructure. Council expects to receive government funding of $44.2 million towards these capital works projects.

Some of the major projects in this year’s budget are:

• Roads ($13.775 million) – including road reseal program $2.59 million; gravel resheet program $1.2 million; Stage 1 Maroney Street, Bairnsdale- $1.7 million; Omeo Valley Road rehabilitation $983,000.
• Bridges ($4.217 million) – including Bullock Island Bridge $2 million; Genoa Pedestrian Bridge $817,000.‍
• Drainage ($185,000)‍
• Footpaths and Cycleways ($6.586 million) – including Omeo mountain bike trails $2.926 million;
• Buildings and Building Improvements ($6.163 million) – including Eagle Point Foreshore Hub $2.32 million; Gymnastics Pavilion at Lucknow Recreation Reserve $1.22 million; safety works at council’s Eagle Point and Mallacoota caravan parks, $480,000 and $400,000 respectively; shire-wide building renewal $700,000.
• Recreation and Community Facilities ($15.679 million) – including Stage 1 WORLD Sporting Precinct, Bairnsdale $11.181 million.
• Parks, Open Space and Streetscapes ($20.678 million) – including Bullock Island foreshore, Lakes Entrance $5.025 million; various streetscape works $3.039 million.‍
• Plant and Equipment ($6.75 million) – including renewal of vehicles, plant and machinery - $1.757 million; information and communication technology systems - $4.377 million; library books $209,000.
• Waste Management ($5.866 million) – including construction Cell 4, Bairnsdale - $2.8 million; Lakes Entrance Transfer Station upgrade - $1.15 million.
• Other Infrastructure ($8.86 million) – including Mallacoota seawalls $3.106 million.

“This budget provides financial resources to support Council achieving the strategic objectives of the Council plan 2021-25. Council thanks everyone who contributed to our consultation process for the budget and our strategic financial plans – the 10-Year Financial Plan and our Four-year Revenue and Rating Plan. These documents were also adopted at the Council meeting,” Cr Urie said.

The Council Plan 2021-25, Annual Budget 2021-22 and other financial plans can be viewed at its customer service centres.

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