Proposed Budget 2022/23 released for community feedback

Towong Shire Council has released its Proposed Budget for 2022/23 for public feedback and is calling on community members to share their views.

The Budget is based on the resources required to support the Council Plan 2021-2025, which was developed based on comprehensive community engagement undertaken in 2021.

The Budget includes a significant capital works program, estimated at over $12 million for the year ahead.

Key projects include:

• Continuation of Stage 2 of the Great River Road project
• The Corryong CBD upgrade
• The Dartmouth Splash Park and Pump Track
• Continued development of our walking trails across Eskdale, Bellbridge, Walwa and Corryong.

Mayor Andrew Whitehead has recognised Council’s ongoing advocacy work to secure State and Federal grant funding to deliver on our communities’ aspirations.

“The capital works program is a fantastic outcome for our communities,” he said. “A program of this magnitude has been made possible due to our ongoing work advocating to our colleagues in state and federal government to commit grant funding to our Shire.”

“In addition to the capital works program, we will continue to provide quality ‘business as usual’ services that our communities value, from our early years services, libraries and swimming pools, to our planning and building functions, and our economic development support for the local businesses.”

The Budget proposes a rate increase of 1.75% for 2022/23, which is consistent with the cap set by the State Government under the Fair Go Rates System.

“An increase in line with inflation helps us to maintain the quality of our services as the cost of providing them increases,” said the Mayor.

The Budget also proposes a 10% increase to our kerbside waste collection charges due to the increased cost of fuel and waste disposal costs. The waste facilities management charge will remain at the same level as in 2021/22.

The document is available for public review and feedback on Council’s website at towong.vic.gov.au, and a hard copy can also be requested from either the Corryong Council Office or the Tallangatta Council Office.

Submissions can be made in writing and addressed to the Chief Executive Officer and can be provided in the following ways:

• Emailed to submissions@towong.vic.gov.au
• Sent to PO Box 55, Tallangatta Victoria 3700
• Delivered to the Corryong or Tallangatta Council Office

Submissions must be received no later than 5pm Tuesday 31 May.