Northern Grampians Shire's councillors have provided their thoughts on last week's proposed 2019-20 Council Budget, which has gone out to the community for comment.
Mayor of Northern Grampians Shire Council, Cr Kevin Erwin said, "We're spending $9.9 million on our road networks, which includes maintenance, making up over a quarter of our budget which is a significant amount."
Stawell Ward Councillor, Murray Emerson said, "I think we've put together a very fair budget, while keeping within the rules of the rate capping which is set by the State Government."
"We believe that our expenditure will be similar to our income but of course we're always in need for additional State and Federal Government funding to achieve our outcomes."
Kara Kara Ward Councillor, Merrilee Reid said, "Our 2019-20 Council Budget is very structured, however more funding from State and Federal Governments would be of great assistance, particularly around roads, bridges and other projects we'd like to complete."
Stawell Ward Councillor, Karen Hyslop said, "We encourage all residents of the Northern Grampians Shire to look over and read the proposed budget, and let us know your thoughts."
South West Ward Councillor, Jason Hosemans said "We're trying to live within our means but fundamentally we need more infrastructure funding from Federal and State Governments."
"Until we get the proper attention from these governments, rates will always remain a higher burden for regional and rural shires such as ours compared to our metropolitan counterparts."
Stawell Ward Councillor, Rob Haswell said, "Regional Victoria is suffering from a sense of abandonment, and we need our fair share of take."
"Getting the necessary funding for our roads and bridges is a never ending battle, but we've taken control of our budget as much as we can to make sure we're being responsible with how we spend it."
Kara Kara Ward Councillor, Tony Driscoll said, "I think our budget is quite balanced and fair in its equity to all sectors of our community, which is always a challenging balancing act."
Community members can provide their feedback on the 2019-20 proposed budget by clicking here, or by emailing, posting, or dropping their feedback into one of our customer service offices.
To view the proposed 2019-20 Council Budget, click here.
