By VICTORIA STONE-MEADOWS
YARRA Ranges Council voted to unanimously to adopt its 2016-’17 budget at a regular council meeting on Tuesday 28 June.
It will see rates rise by 2.5 per cent in 2016-’17, the limit set by the State Government’s rate cap.
The budget details $38.4 million in new capital works and infrastructure over the new financial year, in addition to its $178 million operating budget.
At the meeting, Councillor Andrew Witlox said the 2016-’17 council budget contained cost saving measures that all councillors could be proud of.
“I’m very pleased with this budget,” he said.
“We have a $163 million reduction in rate revenue which means $163 million will stay in the pockets of ratepayers.
“The numbers for capital expenditure for this period have increased, we were going to spend $341 million but now it’s $409 million.
“We are spending more on projects and taking less from ratepayers at the same time.”
Yarra Ranges Mayor Jason Callanan said this budget and long-term financial plan would allow the council to achieve financial goals that would assist everyone in the Yarra Ranges Shire.
“With this budget, council plan and long-term financial plan, we will be on track to achieve savings despite declining revenue streams, while delivering the same high level of capital works,” Cr Callanan said.
