Wodonga Council has endorsed a Draft Budget 2022 to 2023 and a Draft Financial Plan 2022 to 2032 for public exhibition and encourages feedback from the community on the documents.
The Draft Budget 2022-2023 includes a rate rise of 1.5 per cent - below the Victorian Government rate cap of 1.75 per cent.
On average households will face an increase cost in rates and charges of about 49 cents per week.
Key projects include:
- $11m for Baranduda Fields;
- $8m to assume ownership of the council works depot; and,
- $1.9m towards the redevelopment of the Wodonga Exhibition Centre.
The draft budget contains capital expenditure of $30m for new and ongoing projects across the city.
Wodonga Mayor Cr Kev Poulton thanked the more than 300 community members who had their say on the budget priorities as part of a “Dollars and Sense” campaign in February and March.
“We heard that key areas for people were our roads, parks and gardens, the need for footpaths and bike paths and ongoing support for things to see and do in our city,” Cr Poulton said.
“This budget delivers, with more than $3 million spent on roads, almost $400,000 in walking and cycle path renewals and extensions, $425,000 in new and upgraded playgrounds, more than $400,000 for tree plantings and park infrastructure, and more than $300,000 for new and ongoing events.”
Deputy Mayor Graeme Simpfendorfer said the feedback had helped to draft a budget that met community expectations.
“The construction of a new footpath in Kinchington Rd is one example of how we responded to that feedback, while several road projects raised by respondents will be considered as part of our renewals program in future budgets,” he said.
“Our thanks go to everyone who’s helped to draft this budget and we invite further input as we progress towards adoption of the budget for the upcoming financial year.”
