GANNAWARRA Shire is encouraging residents to have their say on Council’s 2020-21 proposed budget.
The draft was put on public display after it was approved at April’s ordinary council meeting.
The 59-page document outlines how Council will spend the $36.08 million of revenue generated through rates, charges and grants during 2020-21.
“Council is proud to be able to deliver a budget that brings to fruition funding for several long-term projects that will benefit residents and visitors,” Mayor Lorraine Learmonth said.
Proposed expenditure includes:
- $533,500 in funding for grants and project funding.
- Close to $5 million of Council’s Capital Works program is devoted to road, bridge and footpath improvements throughout the Gannawarra. $43,000 will be committed to upgrade footpaths along Mead Street, Cohuna.
- Council’s goal to improve tourism opportunities for visitors will receive a $3.056 million boost, with half of this amount supporting the $1.693 million Cohuna CBD Waterfront Development, which builds on the work currently underway adjacent to Apex Park, pending funding approval from the Federal Government.
- Koondrook’s flood mitigation infrastructure to be expanded with a $350,000 project to construct a new section of the town’s levee bank.
- Parks and recreational facilities will benefit from $2.188 million of capital works, with the highlights being $600,000 for the expansion of the Cohuna Skate Park, dependent on external funding, and $520,000 to develop an All Abilities Play Space at Koondrook.
- $25,000 allocated to improvements to the change rooms at the Leitchville Swimming Pool.
- $65,000 to start the process of developing a ReSpark the Park concept at Cohuna’s Cullen Street Community Playground.
Residents able to submit their comments up to 5pm on Monday, May 25.
Those who submit a response to the proposed budget will be invited to speak to their submission at a special meeting of Council, scheduled for 1pm on Tuesday, June 9.
All submissions received will help formulate the final version of the 2020-21 Budget, which is to be presented to the June ordinary council meeting on Wednesday, June 24.
The 2020/2021 Gannawarra Shire Council proposed budget can be viewed online at www.gsc.vic.gov.au/budget