Council
17 November, 2023
Input sought on Budget
THE Warrnambool community is encouraged to have its say on the council budget for 2024-2025.
“We really want the community to get involved in the development of the budget for the 2024-2025 financial year,” Warrnambool mayor Cr Ben Blain said.
“We need to hear from residents to find out how they want council to allocate its resources.”
People can have their say online at yoursaywarrnambool.com.au or attend one of two drop-in sessions.
“We’ll present information online and at the drop-in sessions that will provide some background,” Cr Blain said.
“We’ll be clear about what parts of the budget are core business and which elements the community can influence.”
The other major variable over the budget is the rate cap which is set by the Victorian Government and typically announced in December each year.
“While we’re gathering feedback on the budget we’re also asking people to check over the council plan’s key objectives to make sure they align with community expectations and that they are still relevant,” Cr Blain said.
“We’re engaging with the community earlier than we normally do so that we have more time to develop the budget and to make sure we get it right with the resources available.
“This is different to the way council has consulted before, getting in earlier than usual and trying to get more engagement in the process.”
Council plans to present a draft budget to the community in May next year where there will be another opportunity for the community to provide feedback that can be used to fine tune the document.
The second and final drop-in session will be held at the Civic Centre, 25 Liebig Street Warrnambool, next Tuesday, November 28 from 6pm to 8pm.
