Community members are encouraged to have their say on Latrobe City Council's 2022/23 Draft Budget before submissions close on Tuesday 3 May.
The Draft Budget has been on exhibition since Council's 4 April meeting, where it was unanimously endorsed for public exhibition.
"This is your opportunity to let us know what you think about the projects, services and initiatives included in the Draft Budget," said Mayor of Latrobe City Cr Kellie O'Callaghan.
"While the projects and services outlined in the draft budget align with the objectives of the Council Plan 2021-2025, which was informed by extensive community engagement, it's important to understand your views."
The budget includes an operating surplus of $2.2 million, after raising rates and charges of $87.6 million out of total revenue of $138.3 million.
When excluding non-recurrent capital funding and developer contributions, an underlying operating deficit of $7.3 million is projected for 2022/23.
The underlying deficit primarily reflects the injection of over $120 million of new capital infrastructure in recent years which has increased depreciation expenses by $3 million annually.
Examples of this include new community facilities such as the Gippsland Performing Arts Centre and Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre
The draft budget includes a capital works program of $40.04 million, with $19.70 million dedicated to infrastructure renewal projects with $15.5 million of this being committed to improving the road network.
"This budget aims to strike a balance between maintaining existing community assets while funding important major projects, such as the $2.5 million Kernot Hall upgrade and the $5.2 million Moe Revitalisation Project (Stage 2)," said Cr O'Callaghan.
"We're looking to improve connectivity on our road network, with $5.1 million allocated to upgrading the Marshalls Road and Traralgon-Maffra Road intersection to a signalised intersection and a further $3.6 million to complete Stage 1A of the Gippsland Logistics Precinct".
