Council releases 2023/24 Budget for feedback
Published on 20 April 2023
Benalla City Council has announced its Proposed 2023/24 Budget, which highlights the Council's commitment to recovering from the 2022 flood event, delivering essential services to the community while investing in new projects.
At he April Council meeting, held last Wednesday, Mayor Cr Bernie Hearn expressed her excitement about the opportunities the proposed budget presented for the community.
"This budget demonstrates our Council's commitment to supporting the growth and prosperity of Benalla Rural City," Cr Hearn said.
“The 2023/24 operating result is budgeted to be a surplus of $9.453 million, primarily due to the receipt of $14.356 million of Capital Grant income, including $10 million to repair infrastructure damaged by flooding and storm events in 2022/23.
“The proposed budget includes funding for several key capital projects, including $10 million for flood remediation works and $2.8 million for the redevelopment of the Benalla Art Gallery.
“It also includes increased funding for essential services, such as road maintenance and waste management.
"We're also pleased to say that we're in a position to invest in critical infrastructure and services while keeping rate increases in line with the Victorian Government’s Fair Go Rate system rate cap.
“While a rate increase of less than 3.5 percent was considered and modelled, the full rate cap percentage increase is recommended to ensure the organisation's long-term financial sustainability,” Cr Hearn said.
Residents are invited to attend a community information session at 5pm Tuesday 2 May 2023 at the Benalla Civic Centre to learn more about the proposed budget and provide their feedback.
"We value our community's input and encourage people to attend the information session and submit their feedback," said Cr Hearn.
Submissions on the budget can be made online at haveyoursay.benalla.vic.gov.au, by email council@benalla.vic.gov.au, or by post addressed to Chief Executive Officer, Benalla Rural City Council, PO Box 227, Benalla 3671. Submission forms will also be available at the Council Customer Service Centre.
Submission regarding the proposed 2023/24 Budget must be made before 5pm Thursday 18 May 2023.
The Council will adopt the final budget on Wednesday 28 June 2023.