By Parker McKenzie
Yarra Ranges Council’s draft 2022-23 budget was accepted by all councillors at the Tuesday 28 June meeting.
Mayor Jim Child moved the motion with Deputy Mayor Johanna Skelton seconding in support.
Ms Skelton said there hadn’t been a huge amount of engagement from the community with the budget.
“This is one of the big items we consider and something that touches everyone in our area,” Ms Skelton said.
“One of the big principles we are looking at tonight is the percentage rate increase which is the state government cap at 1.75.”
Community engagement for the budget closed on Wednesday 15 June.
She said the rate increase was appropriate because expenses for Yarra Ranges Council went up in 2022-23 and the money will be used for services the entire community to enjoy.
“I’m pleased to see we have the biodiversity and nature plans in there and the actions that come out of that, which is something we all hear of,” Ms Skelton said.
“We’ve got the food scrap and glass collection coming in, massive changes, Indigenous heritage visibility project, we’ve got the Ridge Walk Art Trail which is going to make access throughout the hills so much better and also have a beautiful cultural destination.”
The Local Government Act 2020 limits local council’s from raising rates by more than 1.75 per cent each year.
Cr Tim Heenan spoke against the motion but congratulated officers for putting together the document and the 10-year Capital Expenditure Program.
“In keeping with my commitment to community of not agreeing to a rate rise I’ll be voting against this tonight,” he said.
“In saying that councillors, I believe the document we have here tonight with our expenditure and action plan, and the budget being put together is something we should be proud of.”
Mayor Child said the budget was a “tightening of the belt.”
“I must emphasis this is a very strong budget when you consider the circumstances we’ve been through in the past couple of years, dealing with the pandemic and dealing with recovery,” he said.
“For us to stick to a 1.75 per cent rate cap rise is a very significant achievement on our behalf.”
The motion was carried, with only Mr Heenan opposing the motion.
Within the budget, $3 million was allocated to storm recovery projects and initiatives.
The Ridgewalk, a 26km trail in the Dandenongs, has been allocated $1.9 million alongside further funding from the State and Federal Governments.
Council has also allocated 4.6 million for positive ageing services and $7 million for the maintenance and renewal of community buildings. $86.4 million has been allocated towards council services, including $6.3 million for early year development, and early childhood education and care.
The now adopted draft budget can be viewed at shaping.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/draft-budget-2022-23
