Community call on draft budget

Northern Grampians Shire Council has adopted its 202021 draft budget and is now seeking community feedback.

The draft budget includes a 12-month capital works program with a total commitment of $13.4-million to be spent on roads, parks, recreation and building works.

The draft proposes a two percent rate rise in line with a rate cap set by the Minister for Local Government, and is also proposing to leave its farm rate differential policy unchanged this financial year, but to introduce a three percent reduction to 50 percent of general rates in 2021-22.

The council has determined there will be no increases in waste and recycling charges.

No new loans during 202021 will allow the council to repay $218,000 in loans during the year, decreasing net indebtedness from $2.4-million to $2.2-million.

Long-term projects carried over from last year’s budget include North Park Multipurpose kerbside-collection

Clubroom Development in Stawell, Lord Nelson Park upgrade in St Arnaud, and the Great Western Future Plan and associated projects.

People can make submissions via the council’s website, www. ngshire.vic.gov.au, via post to PO Box 580, Stawell, 3380, or email ngshire@ngshire.vic.gov. au. Submissions close August 6.