Budget 2022-23 Endorsed

Council’s 2022/23 Budget was formally adopted at the June Council meeting following a public exhibition period from 27 April to 31 May 2022.

The Budget includes a significant capital works program valued at over $32 million including the continuation of works underway in 2021/22 as well as a number of new projects. Highlights include:

• The Corryong CBD upgrade
• Continuation of Stage 2 of the Great River Road project to secure its status as a premier touring route
• The Dartmouth Splash Park and Pump Track
• Continued development of our walking tracks and trails across Eskdale, Bellbridge, Walwa and Corryong
• The Playles Hill project

“On behalf of Council, I am pleased to present the Budget 2022-2023,” Mayor Whitehead said. “Our staff have worked hard to secure funding for us to be able to continue to deliver the projects that our communities told us were important to us, as outlined in our Council Plan 2021-2025. This Budget represents a significant investment in the continued recovery, growth and vibrancy of our Shire.”

The Budget 2022/23 further solidifies Council’s commitment to making Towong Shire the ideal place to be: welcoming, vibrant and inclusive communities with quality facilities and services.

In addition to the Capital Works program we will also continue to provide quality facilities and services such as our early years services, libraries, swimming pools, waste facilities, recreational facilities, public amenities and the Corryong airport.

We will also continue to provide for the safety, sustainability and liveability of our communities through our planning, building, environmental health, local laws and emergency management functions.

Our efforts to develop the Shire’s economy will be focused on the tourism and agriculture sectors and of course we will continue to maintain the critical assets which are so important to our communities such as our roads, bridges, drains, footpaths and parks and playgrounds.

The Budget includes a rate increase of 1.75% for 2022/23, in line with the Fair Go Rates System, which caps Victorian Council rate increases.

The Budget also includes a 10% increase to our kerbside waste collection charges due to the increased costs we are subject to, such as fuel and waste disposal costs, in providing this service. The waste facilities management charge will remain at the same level as in 2021/22.