Campaspe Shire Council has unveiled its 2024-25 budget, allocating $500,000 for community projects, $32 million for capital works, and achieving a $1.92 million surplus.
There will be a general rate increase of 2.75 per cent, in line with the Fair Go Rate cap, set by the Victorian Government.
The $1.92 million surplus brings the council out of a deficit, marking a $6.85 million improvement from the 2023/24 budgeted deficit position.
Mayor Rob Amos welcomed the surplus following difficult times for council and the community recently.
“Over the past few years, we have faced significant challenges, particularly following the October 2022 floods,” he said.
“This year, the focus has been on balancing the community's immediate needs with long-term financial sustainability.”
Council classifies land based on its use, and rates are set accordingly: rural farmland at 80 per cent, commercial and industrial at 116 per cent, and cultural and recreation at 50 per cent of the general rate.
Councillors at Tuesday’s meeting discussed the distribution of rates in detail. The draft budget planned for the rural farmland rate to be 90 per cent, while Cr Adrian Weston attempted to amend it to be 75 per cent.
After some back-and-forth between Cr Weston, Cr Leanne Pentreath, Cr Paul Jarman, Cr Daniel Mackrell and Cr John Zobec, it was decided that the 80 per cent rate will carry on from last year’s budget.
“We also conducted a four-week community engagement regarding our fees and charges and have tried to balance what is appropriate for the community and what is financially sustainable for the organisation,” Cr Amos said
The budget allocated $500,000 to community projects. Community projects have been shaped by community feedback, with consultation from December 2023 to February 2024 helping to decide where council will invest.
Out of 222 project submissions, 17 have been selected for funding, including sail shades, benches, and scoping for splash parks.
“We were really excited to receive them,” chief executive Pauline Gordon said.
“It’s about what we can achieve and support the community in achieving.”
There is a significant capital works allocation in this budget, with more than 85 per cent dedicated to the improvement of current assets.
This includes road maintenance and upgrades for parks and recreational facilities, flagged in the 2024 Community Satisfaction Survey and supported through Federal Government initiatives.
“Our commitment to infrastructure renewal remains strong, with a significant $27.76 million out of the $32.60 million capital works allocation being for renewal or upgrade of council’s existing assets,” Cr Amos said.
“Council’s commitment to maintaining and renewing its road infrastructure is supported by the recent announcement of $23 million over the next five years from the Australian Government’s Roads to Recovery program will help us address the concerns that the community has voiced to us about roads, drains and footpaths.
“We know sporting facilities are also really important to the community and were thrilled to recently secure an $11.3 million Federal Government grant for the Echuca Vic Park Multi-Purpose development.”
Council aimed to deliver this budget earlier than previous years so that it can be implemented as soon as possible. This is particularly important due to the local government elections taking place this October.
This means capital works can begin soon, including road upgrades, a $6.31 million natural disasters package with portable flood pumps, and upgrades to Victoria Park, public amenities, playgrounds, and public buildings.
“For the moment, we’re full systems go,” Ms Gordon said.
“Our director of infrastructure Kate Lemon already was speaking with her staff after the meeting (on Tuesday).
“They’re so excited that they can be as ready as possible to go out pretty well straight away.
“Particularly some of the major projects to have that ready to go out to tender is just so exciting for us to be that ahead of the game.
“We're pretty excited. We're very cognisant that the elections are coming up and during that period, councils aren’t permitted to make major decisions, so we’re going to try and get in before that election period as much as we can.”
Other capital works projects include: $2 million for the Echuca Holiday Park master plan, $1.64 million for the Echuca Aerodrome upgrade, $1.28 million for boat ramp and dock upgrades at Victoria Park, dog park infrastructure in Echuca East and Tongala, and swimming pool maintenance in Lockington.
The preparation of the budget took around six months, with groups across council working together and in consultation with the community.
"We’re pretty thrilled that we’ve been able to deliver a balanced budget,“ Ms Gordon said.
“That’s been such a great effort by all staff, and the community too because they’ve worked with us to achieve it.”
Councillors at the unplanned meeting on Tuesday, June 4, largely agreed on the budget, making only a few tweaks. They were happy to endorse it overall.
“In the last seven years, I think I’ve always had at least one negative when I’m speaking about the budget ... for the very first time I’m not in the negative,” Cr Mackrell said.
“So out of all the times that I’ve been here in council, this will be the first time that I’ll say: the budget I fully approve of.
“I’m looking forward to seeing every single thing work well ... I like what I see.”