Southern Grampians Shire Council invites residents to contribute to the 2023/24 Council Budget, with a survey released this week.
Council provides community members the opportunity to comment on the draft budget in May each year, prior to its adoption. This year, residents are encouraged to get involved early, to help inform Council on the services that are most important to them.
Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Cr David Robertson said preparing the budget is an important step in shaping Council’s annual plan in relation to programs, the delivery of projects, and services to meet community’s needs.
“Your thoughts, ideas, and feedback ultimately helps us to develop the annual budget and determine how services are financially supported for the year,” said Cr Robertson.
“Tell us what services you use most and which are most important to you and your family. It could be the outdoor swimming pools, Library, health and wellbeing program, waste services, road maintenance, public arts and culture, sporting facilities, public amenities – we want to hear your thoughts on how we should prioritise service delivery.
“We’re often questioned as to why ratepayer’s money is spent where it is. For those who just think of us as rates, roads and rubbish, Council operates and provides over 70 unique services to our community which, with rate-capping and limited external funding opportunities, is not an easy feat to achieve.
“This is your opportunity to genuinely have a think about the budgeting process for the next financial year, taking into consideration all the services we need to deliver to our community, and contribute to your ideas.
“Please take five minutes, jump onto our website and give us your thoughts on the services you use most,” concluded Cr Robertson.
Community members can submit their feedback online at www.sthgrampians.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay. Hard copies are available at Customer Service and at the Hamilton Library. Feedback can be submitted until 5:00pm on 21 December 2022.
The Draft 2023/24 budget will be released for public comment in May 2023.