Council’s draft Financial Plan on public exhibition

Council’s draft Financial Plan on public exhibition Towong Shire Council has developed a draft Financial Plan 2021-2031 which is now on public exhibition for community feedback.

The plan describes how resources will be invested within the municipality to support the delivery of the Council Plan 2021-2025 and Community Vision 2031, and has been developed in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 2020.

Mayor Cr David Wortmann encouraged all Towong Shire residents to share their views on the draft plan.

“The challenge, as always, is how to support and invest in community needs while ensuring financial sustainability. As a council, we believe that living in rural Victoria should not mean a lack of the basic facilities and services that make a place desirable to live in. The priorities and initiatives outlined in the Council Plan are there to support the ongoing vibrancy of our communities in line with what they should be able to expect.

The Financial Plan shows that while we have welcomed recent and significant grant funding we know that reliance on one-off grants is not sustainable. Without the ongoing support of federal and state governments our ability to deliver on community needs as outlined in the Council Plan will be compromised.

We think that it is important to show the financial resources that are really required to support our communities and to deliver the Council Plan and achieve our Community Vision. To make sure we stay on track we will review the Plan every year and update our estimates accordingly and if we’re unable to access the additional funding required we may need to make some tough compromises.

My fellow Councillors and I invite you to take a look at the draft Financial Plan and provide your feedback. All feedback will be considered before it is finalised and formally adopted.”

The plan is available to view on Council’s website at towong.vic.gov.au, or you can request a copy by contacting Council’s Customer Service Team on 1300 365 222 or info@towong.vic.gov.au.

How to make a submission

Submissions must be received in writing addressed to the Chief Executive Officer by emailing info@towong.vic.gov.au or mailing to PO Box 55, Tallangatta VIC 3700.

Submissions close 5pm Friday 22 October.

All submissions will be formally considered by the Council and the plan will be put forward for adoption at the October Council Meeting.