Gannawarra Shire seeks feedback on proposed budget

Apr 21, 2020

GANNAWARRA Shire is encouraging residents to have their say on Council’s 2020-21 proposed budget.

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The draft was put on public display after it was approved at April’s ordinary council meeting.

The 59-page document outlines how Council will spend the $36.08 million of revenue generated through rates, charges and grants during 2020-21.

“Council is proud to be able to deliver a budget that brings to fruition funding for several long-term projects that will benefit residents and visitors,” Mayor Lorraine Learmonth said.

Proposed expenditure includes:

$533,500 in funding for grants and project funding.
Close to $5 million of Council’s Capital Works program is devoted to road, bridge and footpath improvements throughout the Gannawarra. $43,000 will be committed to upgrade footpaths along Mead Street, Cohuna.
Council’s goal to improve tourism opportunities for visitors will receive a $3.056 million boost, with half of this amount supporting the $1.693 million Cohuna CBD Waterfront Development, which builds on the work currently underway adjacent to Apex Park, pending funding approval from the Federal Government.
Koondrook’s flood mitigation infrastructure to be expanded with a $350,000 project to construct a new section of the town’s levee bank.
Parks and recreational facilities will benefit from $2.188 million of capital works, with the highlights being $600,000 for the expansion of the Cohuna Skate Park, dependent on external funding, and $520,000 to develop an All Abilities Play Space at Koondrook.
$25,000 allocated to improvements to the change rooms at the Leitchville Swimming Pool.
$65,000 to start the process of developing a ReSpark the Park concept at Cohuna’s Cullen Street Community Playground.

Residents able to submit their comments up to 5pm on Monday, May 25.

Those who submit a response to the proposed budget will be invited to speak to their submission at a special meeting of Council, scheduled for 1pm on Tuesday, June 9.

All submissions received will help formulate the final version of the 2020-21 Budget, which is to be presented to the June ordinary council meeting on Wednesday, June 24.

The 2020/2021 Gannawarra Shire Council proposed budget can be viewed online at www.gsc.vic.gov.au/budget

By McPherson Media Group