Wodonga Council is asking the community to help shape the city’s future by providing input into the development of the 2023-2024 Draft Budget.
Mayor Ron Mildren said feedback from the public would help to drive the delivery of services and infrastructure for the upcoming financial year and beyond.
“The budget outlines the way in which we deliver services and programs to our community – from waste collection to cultural services and sporting facilities to name a few – so we’re very keen to hear from the people who use those services,” he said.
“We want to hear people’s ideas and priorities so we can use those suggestions to develop a budget that not only meets the needs of the community but also strengthens it.”
The consultation is open until Monday, March 6, and anyone who lives, works, studies or invests in Wodonga or visits the municipality and uses the facilities, is invited to review the information provided, ask questions and provide feedback.
As part of the consultation, pop-up engagement sessions will be held at key points across the city throughout February.
The first will be held at the Albury Wodonga Farmers Market on Gateway Island on Saturday, February 4, from 8am to 12pm.
Submissions can also be made online, or by email at makewodongayours@wodonga.vic.gov.au, filling out a survey form, writing to PO Box 923, Wodonga, 3690, or calling the council on (02) 6022 9300.
Cr Mildren said all feedback would be assessed as priorities are identified.
“Like any budget, there are constraints on what we can spend but there are also great opportunities to harness the ideas of the community so that together, we can build a budget that reflects the needs and aspirations of everyone who lives in Wodonga or uses its facilities,” he said.
Once the feedback is reviewed, a draft budget will be developed and presented to councillors at their meeting on May 15 for endorsement after which it will again be presented to the community for further comment.
The final draft will be considered by councillors in June.
Last year, more than 300 people provided feedback that was used to create the 2022-2023 Draft Budget, with roads, parks and gardens, footpaths and bike paths, and ongoing support for events and activities identified as key issues by the community.