By MARIA McCARTHY
IT’S budget time of the year again, and your Yarra Ranges councillors have been working hard for the past few months to set a budget that achieves a balance that is true to our commitment to keep rates low.
It’s not an easy task; we have limited revenue but seemingly limitless opportunities for investment in such a large and diverse municipality.
But this year’s budget is all about efficiencies.
We have proactively sought to present a realistic budget that balances our Council Plan with the community’s infrastructure and service needs.
We are focused on achieving savings through a reduction in operating costs, removing duplication and finding new ways of working.
We are conscious of the rising costs of everyday living for households and will continue to ensure our rates are as low as possible, while still maintaining our commitment to quality outcomes for our community.
This council has achieved great outcomes with savings and efficiencies, resulting in a significant decrease to council’s rating strategy in the future years of the budget and the Long Term Financial Plan – 4.8 per cent to 3.9 per cent from 2016-’17 onwards.
We will continue to deliver the same level of service, as well as a robust capital works program each year.
We know roads and footpaths are important to you, so we have set aside $10.29 million for new roads and improvements in 2015-’16.
Footpaths will receive $3.61 million and parks and open spaces $2.69 million.
We will spend $8.9 million (including State Government funding) supporting the aged and people who have a disability, $10 million providing for families and young people and $3.1 million for arts, culture and heritage.
Your council will continue to strive to provide the best value for our ratepayers, while ensuring the Yarra Ranges continues to be a fantastic place to live, work and play.
The budget is currently out for consultation and will be endorsed at a Special Meeting of council on 16 June.
You can read more about the 2015-’16 council budget at www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/budget.
