Rate relief for Ararat residents

Ararat and district residents will get a one percent rate cut under Ararat Rural City Council’s 2020-21 Draft Budget.

The council will also invest $13.6-million in capital works including road upgrades, new amenities and community infrastructure.

Chief executive Tim Harrison said the draft budget also outlined a budgeted operating surplus of $4.661-million, an improvement from the forecast surplus of $1.631-million for 2019-2020.

He said the figures reflected a measure of financial sustainability.

Dr Harrison said the council had voted at its meeting last week to place the draft on public display and invite community submissions.

“The draft budget outlines a rate cut of one percent because the council is acutely aware of the current difficulties around the COVID-19 event and the impact this is having on our communities and economy,” he said.

“The cut to general rates will help keep rates as close as possible to last year. The budget impact of this decision is $445,000, which will be recouped through organisational efficiencies and not affect delivery of council services.”

Dr Harrison said the draft budget aimed to fund service delivery and the renewal of infrastructure and community assets while avoiding unduly increasing the rate burden in any rating sector.

“This year’s budget aims to fund key elements of the Council Plan 2017-2021, which was also placed on public display for comment at Wednesday’s meeting,” he said.

“The budget outlines key infrastructure projects for the community including the completion of Ararat on the Move projects at a cost of $650,000. This includes the new netball courts and female-friendly amenities at the Alexandra Oval precinct and upgrades to Ararat Skate Park.

“Other projects in the draft budget include upgrades to rural roads such as Darlington-carranballac Road, $558,000; Woorndoostreatham Road, $1.967-million; and Tatyoon Road, $3.11-million.

“The council will also invest $898,614 in arts, culture and heritage, $250,000 in drainage renewal and $325,000 in bridges.”

Other projects outlined in the draft budget include: Laby Street drainage and upgrades, $60,000; Baird Street road and drainage upgrades, $160,000; Truscott Street upgrades, $376,000; Heath Street upgrades, $800,000; Willaura-wickliffe Road upgrades, $1.375-million; road resheeting work, $1-million; road resealing work, $1.405-million; foot and bike paths, $160,000; plant and equipment, $965,000; and property and buildings, $910,000.

Residents can download a copy of the draft budget by visiting website www.ararat.vic. gov.au.

A hard copy of the document is available by phoning the council office on 5355 0200.

Budget submissions must be in writing and addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, Ararat Rural City Council, PO Box 246, Ararat, VIC, 3377 or sent via email to council@ararat. vic.gov.au.

Dr Harrison said anyone keen to address the council in relation to their submission could include the request in their submission and council officers would contact them.