Have your say: Draft Budget and Pitch My Project

8 May 2023

Strathbogie Shire residents – it’s time to have your say on your favourite community projects!

Strathbogie Shire Council released its Draft 2023/24 Budget to public consultation and is now calling on the community to have its say on its favourite projects in the Pitch My Project
initiative.

This is the third year Council has run Pitch My Project – which aims to make sure Council is funding the projects and initiatives that matter to the community.

“This year we’ve taken it a step further and we’re asking for the community to help us decide the projects that will be included in the final 2023/24 Budget,” Mayor, Cr Laura Binks, said.

“We want our community to be involved in every step of the development of our 2023/24 Budget.

“This means we’re funding and delivering the projects that matter to you.

“Through the Pitch My Project initiative we have funded more than 20 community projects, and this year we’ve allocated $300,000 to projects across the shire.”

Cr Binks encouraged people to head to www.share.www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au to share their views on their favourite projects or visit a survey station in their township.

Survey stations can be found in Avenel, Euroa, Strathbogie, Ruffy, Nagambie, Violet Town, Longwood, and Graytown.

Strathbogie residents can also have their say on Council’s Draft 2023/24 Budget.

The draft budget is a significant document for Council as it sets the organisation’s fees and charges for the next year, along with the capital works program and the money spent on
community services and resources to deliver these services.

“In preparing the Draft 2023/24 Budget, Council has considered many factors to try and balance community expectations and benefits with financial responsibilities,” she said.

“We have worked to minimise rate increases and have prepared the Draft Budget based on a three per cent increase in the average rate per property.

“This is below the increase allowed for under the State Government’s ‘Fair Go Rates’ legislation. Rate outcomes for individual properties will vary, depending on how that property’s valuation has changed when compared to the average increase.”

This year’s Draft Budget provides $12.70 million capital works program, together with $3.49 million carried forward from 2022/2023. This includes $8.315 million in roads, $1.417 million
for bridges, $465,000 for footpaths and cycleways, $855,000 for drainage, $1.429 million for recreation, leisure and community facilities and $448,000 for parks, open spaces and
streetscapes.

Council is now seeking feedback on the 2023/24 Draft Budget. The community is encouraged to make a submission via:

  • Visiting https://share.www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au/202324-budget
  • Writing to us at PO Box 177, Euroa VIC 3666
  • Emailing info@strathbogie.vic.gov.au.
  • Visiting a survey station at:
    • Euroa Library
    • Violet Town Library
    • Avenel Library
    • Tablelands Community Centre
    • Strathbogie General Store
    • Longwood General Store and PO
    • Greytown Community Centre
    • Nagambie Visitor Information Centre

Feedback closes at 5pm on Wednesday, May 31, 2023. For more information go to https://share.www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au/202324-budget