Draft budget delivers on key community projects
Published on 24 April 2019
Investment in rural roads and activating the Wimmera River as well as the roofing project at the Horsham Regional Livestock Exchange are highlights of Horsham Rural City Council’s 2019-20 Draft Budget.
Chief Executive Officer Sunil Bhalla said prudent financial management had ensured Council would continue to deliver high quality, responsive and accessible services to the Wimmera.
The $50 million Draft Budget included a rate increase of 2.25%, which was 0.25% below the Ministerial 2.50% Rate Cap announced in December 2018.
“This has been achieved whilst maintaining service delivery and continuing with operational initiatives to become more efficient and effective, while still investing in new and renewal of ageing infrastructure,” Mr Bhalla said.
“The budget includes $20.36 million for capital works, $9.88 million for renewal works (up 18.7% on last year), $1.62 million for asset upgrades (down 14.3%) and $8.85 million for new assets (almost double last years).
“New assets include $3.03 million for the roofing of the Horsham Regional Livestock Exchange, $2.49 million for core infrastructure assets for the further development of the Wimmera Intermodal Freight Terminal (held over from 18-19) and $1.61 million for activation of the Wimmera River and central Horsham”, he said.
Mr Bhalla said expenditure on rural roads would increase by $1.22 million or 39.7% from the 2018-19 budget.
“It’s worth noting that dedicated rate expenditure on renewal works is now at $2.64 million with 41.2% of this being spent on Rural Roads.,” he said.
Smaller projects include the construction of the Haven Car Park, Kayak access to the Wimmera River and a Rural Road Network Plan.
Mayor Mark Radford said the Draft Budget aimed to make the Wimmera a better place to live, work, and invest.
He invited the community to submit their feedback on the Draft Budget.
“If you have a suggestion on how the budget can be improved, you are welcome to make a formal submission,” Cr Radford said.
“As Councillors, it is our job to listen to the community, and this year Council will again be undertaking a range of activities to meet and talk with our community via Councillor Listening Posts and attending community meetings as well as using Council’s Facebook Page and posting information on the HRCC website,” he said.
Members of the public may make on-line submissions through the Council’s website or in writing by 5pm Monday 27 May 2019.