Wodonga Council is seeking community feedback on its Draft Budget 2024 – 2025, which was presented to the council in the Finance and Budget Delegated Committee meeting held on Monday, May 13.
The draft budget includes a 2.75 per cent rate rise, in line with that set by the Victorian government.
Wodonga Mayor Cr Ron Mildren said this is a sensible budget that balances how the council can best service the community while making the necessary budgetary decisions to future proof Wodonga Council’s financial sustainability.
“In determining a way forward, we must consider other modes of revenue raising beyond simply increasing rates. It is increasingly evident that the council must keep a rein on recurrent expenditure,” Cr Mildren said.
“This budget represents an in-depth analysis and informed reallocation of expenditure that seeks to optimise the council’s performance.”
This proposed budget follows an organisational restructure of the council which came as a result of an independent review which recommended that the council achieve a net recurring savings objective.
The council has worked to implement recommendations and develop a draft budget that balances service delivery for the community with infrastructure renewal and maintenance and financial sustainability into the future.
“In this challenging fiscal climate, the council is reassessing how it currently delivers services, but will ensure that the Service Performance Principles remain at the forefront in the continued delivery of responsive, accessible and equitable services that are of good value to the community,” said Cr Mildren.
“Priorities may change but the main principle is to retain service standards that the broader community values.”
The draft budget includes a program of new capital works totalling $15.8 million, inclusive of a fully funded renewal program totalling $12.12 million which aims to improve infrastructure and community facilities.
Highlights include the Wodonga Creek Precinct Activation project, which has received a $2 million grant from the Albury Wodonga Regional Partnership Projects fund, and the opening of Baranduda Fields.
Following a hugely successful North East Food and Wine Festival in 2023, the council will once again deliver the event in 2024. Further facilitation and development of the Logic Industrial Precinct is also a key takeaway of the Draft Budget 2024 – 2025.
The council consulted with the community to seek feedback to inform this draft budget in early 2024, with more than 250 people contributing to the process.
The Draft Budget 2024 – 2025 can be viewed within the agenda of the recent Finance and Budget Delegated Committee meeting.
The community is encouraged to have their say on the Draft Budget 2024 – 2025 at https://makewodongayours.com.au/ from 9am, Wednesday, May 15. Consultation will close at 5pm on Wednesday, June 5.