As plans take shape for Greater Shepparton City Council’s upcoming budget, community feedback has never been more vital.
With the budget development process already under way for the 2025-26 financial year, residents are encouraged to voice their opinions and contribute ideas that could shape the future of the region.
“Community feedback is an extremely important part of compiling council’s annual budget,” council director of corporate services Chris Teitzel said.
“The more feedback we receive from the community in the coming month, the better positioned we will be to understand the community’s needs and desires for Greater Shepparton.”
The budget serves as a blueprint for council funding for capital works and service delivery in the coming year.
It outlines how resources will be prioritised to deliver over 120 essential services to the community and how $1.9 billion of community assets will be maintained, renewed and upgraded to benefit residents.
For the first time, council has extended the consultation process, allowing residents five weeks to provide input through an online survey on the Shaping Greater Shepparton website until Friday, December 20.
Additionally, individuals can request an in-person meeting in February 2025 to discuss their submissions directly with council members.
“By engaging with the community before the budget is developed, and for a longer period of time, we hope to better understand the needs of residents and find out what their priorities are for the next financial year,” Mr Teitzel said.
This consultative process follows previous successes identified through community feedback in past budgets.
For example, much-needed improvements have been made at the Shepparton BMX Track and Velodrome, which received funding through the Victorian Government’s Regional Sporting Infrastructure Program following community consultations.
“We want to know what people would like to see funded, whether they know of any necessary upgrades to infrastructure or community facilities across the region or if they would like funding for major programs,” Mr Teitzel said.
After consulting the community, the budget document will be developed, considering all feedback received, and will be endorsed by council in June 2025.
Residents are encouraged to make their voices heard before that time comes.
“Community feedback is extremely valuable, and I encourage everyone to have their say now,” Mr Teitzel said.
The 2025-26 budget consultation survey is available to all Greater Shepparton residents until Friday, December 20, at shaping.greatershepparton.com.au/