Campaspe Shire Council seeks your input on project ideas

Council said the projects are capped at $50,000 per project.

“If you or your community group has been thinking about project ideas that roughly sit under $50,000, we want to hear about them now so we can fully consider these as part of the budget process,” Acting Mayor Tony Marwood said.

“We’ve had suggestions in the past ranging from more seating, community events, hydration stations and toilet blocks in parks; those sorts of ideas are what we are looking for.”

Cr Marwood emphasised the project ideas should be one-off, lower cost projects that are separate to the budget for renewal and grant related projects already inherent in the capital program.

“Not all project ideas will be feasible for council to further develop, but let’s hear from the community as to what resonates,” he said.

“We want people to be able to see the ideas come to life quickly, so this process allows council officers to prepare and develop ideas for consideration earlier in the process, rather than having to retrofit priorities after much of the budget development work has been done.

“This process means we can be creative about what we want for our region without sacrificing the capital projects that are essential for everyday living.”

Campaspe Shire Council has set aside $500,000 in the budget to bring the top priorities to life.

Chief executive officer Pauline Gordon said the ideas for the projects could be wide-ranging.

“It is not restricted to capital works, it may be an event, festival that a community is trying to get off the ground and needs some assistance, even some sort of program,” Ms Gordon said.

“We’re really encouraging anyone across the shire who has a great idea to share it with us.”

Ms Gordon said Campaspe Shire had brought the project idea process forward, rather than wait until April 2024.

That will allow council officers more time to further scope the suggested projects from members from the public.

Corporate director Matthew McPherson said it will ensure council can put out its draft budget for comment earlier than usual.

“Traditionally, council has put its budget out to the community for feedback and comment in April, with submissions heard in May before the budget is adopted in June for the following financial year,” Mr McPherson said.

“In order to have those ideas further developed and costed for consideration in the 2024/25 budget, council is asking the community for their input on community project ideas now until the start of February 2024, as opposed to later in the budget process.

“Council will then consider those projects to help inform decisions in the 2024/25 budget.”

Council said it was mindful of its fiscal obligations in a budget that will be north of $90 million in 2024/25 and will prioritise project ideas that the community has advocated for that deliver value and efficiency.

Council will consult with the community on fees and charges in March of next year, separate to the project ideas process, to ensure a smoother budget process.

You can submit your ideas now via the Campaspe Shire Council website www.campaspe.vic.gov.au (click on the now open tab) and complete the online form.

Alternatively, you can call Campaspe Shire Council on 1300 666 535 or visit any Customer Service Centre to pick up a hard copy form and post Campaspe Shire Council, Attention Finance, PO Box 35, Echuca VIC 3564.

Ideas can be lodged up to 5pm on Friday, February 2, 2024.