At a Meeting of Council last night, the Central Goldfields Shire 2021/22 Budget 2021/22 was adopted.
The adoption of the Budget followed a four-week engagement process – 28 April to 28 May - with three written submissions received and comprehensive community information sessions in Maryborough, Carisbrook, Dunolly and Talbot.
The 2021/22 Council Budget includes a $20.9 million plus Capital Works budget (including $12.3 million in grant funding), rate rise of 1.5% in line with the Victorian Government determined rate cap and a 3% increase to waste charges to meet the increasing costs of managing waste.
Central Goldfields Shire Mayor Cr Chris Meddows-Taylor thanked community members who took the time to read the Draft Budget, attend community information sessions and provide input.
"We're thrilled we've been able to deliver a Budget that not only continues to deliver 40 plus services to the community but also an exciting capital works budget that will have long-term benefit to the community and help stimulate the local economy in the wake of the pandemic."
BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS
Capital Works Program
- Significant upgrades ($3.9m) to roads funded jointly through Council, Regional Roads Victoria and Roads to Recovery
- Restoration works at Maryborough Outdoor Swimming Pool ($2m – fully grant funded)
- Construction of the Carisbrook Recreation Reserve pavilion ($4.7m [$4.2m grant funded])
- Expansion of the Maryborough Gallery ($1.9m [$1.7m grant funded])
- Completion of the Carisbrook levee ($610k)
- Township revitalisation program for Timor, Bealiba, Talbot, Bet Bet, Dunolly, Majorca and Carisbrook including playground and hall improvements, shade structures, tree plantings and signage ($810k)
- Council building upgrades ($369k)
- Maryborough Skate Park ($619k – $250k grant funding)
- Transfer station upgrade ($401k grant funded)
- Maryborough Station Activation ($2.0m [$1.8m grant funded])
- Further implementation of Gordon Gardens Masterplan ($82k)
- New pathways ($400k [$300k grant funded])
- New bike racks ($5k)
Grant funded projects that will continue in 2021-2022 include:
· Go Goldfields
· Engage Youth program
· Freeza program
· L2P program
New initiatives for 2021-2022 include:
· New Council Plan and Community Vision
· Community Health and Wellbeing Plan
· Reconciliation Action Plan (completion)
· Heritage Overlay Reviews (ongoing)
· Climate Adaptation Plan
· Asset Condition Assessment
· Railway Station Activation Plan
· Health & Wellbeing Plan (start 2020-2021 finish 2021-2022)
· Asset Management Plans
· Aerodrome Business Plan
