Wellington Shire Council has released its draft 2018/19 Budget, which is now available for public feedback.
The budget includes exciting infrastructure projects throughout the municipality, along with $22 million towards roads, residential streets, paths, parks, streetscapes and open spaces.
Wellington Shire Council Mayor Carolyn Crossley said the 2018/19 Budget was fair and responsible, with infrastructure projects set to be funded throughout the shire.
“This budget has infrastructure money shared through a number of communities and various projects,” she said.
“We have also allocated more than $22 million for road resealing and sheeting; residential street schemes; footpaths and shared paths; open space projects; maintenance of vegetation, fire breaks, rural road reseals and drainage and gravel roads; and maintaining open spaces.”
As determined by the State Government’s Fair Go Rates System, Wellington’s general rate will rise in this budget by 2.25%.
One of the biggest challenges reflected in this budget is dealing with the nation-wide recycling crisis. Along with all Victorian Councils, Wellington has been forced to respond to the recycling crisis now that China is no longer accepting co-mingled recyclables.
“The sudden change in the market means there will be an increase to the garbage charge to cover the increased cost of recycling,” she said.
“The cost of disposing our waste overall is growing, and it is not acceptable to Wellington Shire or the community that our recycling ends up in landfill – this would set us back decades.
“We need to ensure our recyclables continue to be processed sustainably and unfortunately that means a higher cost for the service. In real terms, this means that those properties that have a both a general rubbish and a recycling bin will see the annual cost of that fortnightly pickup increase from $187 to $222.”
Cr Crossley said it was important that members of the Wellington community read the draft budget and provided their feedback.
“I encourage you to read the draft Budget and provide your feedback,” she said.