Mitchell Shire Council is set to continue its big build to remain one of Victoria's best places to live and work with a $128.72 million budget adopted at Monday night's Council meeting (28 June).
Despite the impact of the pandemic, Mitchell Shire remains Victoria's fastest growing municipality with continued strong housing demand.
The budget includes a number of initiatives across the operating and capital programs to support this growth as well as ongoing COVID-19 pandemic recovery and a continued focus on financial sustainability.
The $23.95 million in new capital works for 2021/22 features new and upgraded infrastructure and facilities as well and designs and planning for multi-year projects including:
- $6.9 million for roads and bridges and $1.42 million for footpaths and cycleways
- $5.13 million for waste management projects
- $4.7 million for recreation, leisure and sports facilities
- $1.07 million for buildings
- $255,000 for parks, streetscapes and open space
Council also adopted a 10-year financial plan and four-year revenue and rating plan. These plans combine with the annual budget to help Mitchell plan responsibly for the future and deliver on its commitment to create a healthy, connected and sustainable community whilst still meeting the State Government's 1.5 per cent rate cap.
The budget was developed with input from the community, as well as key priorities from Council's adopted strategies and plans.
The budget document includes an operating budget, capital works program, financial statements, performance indicators and fees and charges for the coming year including rates, kerbside waste collection and the municipal charge.
The kerbside garbage and recycling collection charge will increase by $33 per collection to cover increased costs to operate the service including a higher EPA levy and changes to the recycling industry.
A budget summary along with the full budget document, financial plan and revenue and rating plan is available at www.mitchellshire.vic.gov.au/budget
People can provide ideas for the next budget throughout the year at www.mitchellshire.vic.gov.au/budget-input and through the Mitchell 2050 Community Vision and Council Plan project.
