Northern Grampians seeking feedback

A Northern Grampians Shire Council 2019-20 budget is open for public comment after the council approved it ‘in principle’ at a special meeting on Monday.

The draft includes a general rate rise of 2.4 percent and a variety of municipal projects.

Mayor Kevin Erwin said the council had increased its road spending after receiving additional funding.

“Road spending now makes up almost a third of our budget, which is a significant amount,” he said.

“Some of the other highlights include upgrades to sports and recreation facilities around the shire, which the community have been waiting a long time for.

“We’ve been able to put this budget together without any additional borrowings.

“We hope the community agrees with this proposed budget, and encourage them to comment within the 28-day period.”

Northern Grampians residents can submit feedback and comments on the council’s website; email comments to the council; write comments and drop them into one of the customer service offices or post them to the council.

Budget details and submission forms are available on the council’s website www. ngshire.vic.gov.au.

In Stawell, projects include a Stawell Parks Precinct, which includes a redevelopment of sports facilities, an upgrade to public amenities and a youth space development.

This is in addition to a multi-purpose clubroom development and netball court renewal at North Park.

In St Arnaud, major projects include the planning and design stage of a multipurpose facility at Lord Nelson Park, as well as an upgrade to St Arnaud Early Years Playground.

In Halls Gap, the major project is the continuation of works on the Peaks Trailhead Connection, while in Great Western, the Great Western Future Plan will continue with township design and streetscape planning.