Council Releases Proposed Budget 2024-25

Published on 10 May 2024

Community members are invited to review the Proposed 2024-25 Budget, available for consideration and comment at engage.mansfield.vic.gov.au until Friday 7 June 2024.

The proposed budget outlines what Council will deliver over the next 12 months including new initiatives and core services, and how they will be funded.

The 2024-25 budget proposes a 2.25% rate increase, which is lower than the State Government Rate Cap of 2.75%, with a total operating expenditure of $23.5 million and an $18.75 million Capital Works Program.

As part of its commitment to strengthening community engagement, Council undertook extensive community consultation during January this year to inform the 2024-25 budget. This resulted in 71 submissions from the community. Council considered each application and included initiatives in the proposed budget that address more than 80% of the submissions.

Some of the new initiatives in the proposed budget include:

• Shared Footpath from Howqua Inlet to Howqua caravan park
• Undercover Stage Area at Botanic Park
• New Bike ‘Pump Track’ in Station Precinct
• Footpath ‘missing links’ including new footpath from Kareen Court to Oaksford Drive and continuation of path between top end of Malcolm St, and Kidston Parade
• New weather station to provide more accurate weather data
• European wasp control and spring clean-up event for green waste
• Increased funding for weed management, improved environmental mapping, and a wetlands management plan for the Mullum Wetlands
• Road and stormwater upgrades including longstanding localised flooding issues on Rowe St, Mansfield and Hurley St, Woods Point
• Major upgrade of the Graves Road culvert
• Power upgrade for Bonnie Doon Community Centre and shade sails over the playground
• Solar panels for Mansfield Sporting Complex and upgrade of streetlights to LED as part of our Climate Action Plan.

  Mayor Cr Steve Rabie explained the budget process provided an early opportunity for the community to comment on what should be a priority for 2024-25.

  “Council is listening to what the community wants. The budget process enables us to have an early indication of what the community finds most important in terms of how we spend ratepayer funds,” said Cr Rabie.

  “We are grateful to the people who took the time and showed their care for the community through considering a quality budget submission. That’s why we gave every idea its due diligence and, as a result, we have a stronger budget that incorporates what our community are wanting to see.”

  Mansfield Shire residents and ratepayers are also invited to attend the following community budget information sessions:

• In person - Council Chambers - 33 Highett Street, Mansfield - Wednesday 29 May at 6.30pm
• Online via Zoom – Wednesday 29 May at 5pm

To attend either of the above information sessions please register your attendance via email at budget@mansfield.vic.gov.au, or call 5775 8555.

Read the full proposed budget, including information about new initiatives and key infrastructure projects and have your say at engage.mansfield.vic.gov.au

Submissions, questions and feedback must be received before 5pm on Wednesday 7 June 2024.

If you require a physical copy of the documents, please contact Council by phone on 03 5775 8555 to arrange a print copy for collection.