Surf Coast Shire budget: This is how residents’ money will be spent for the next year

See how residents’ money will be spent in the Surf Coast Shire over the next twelve months: Every project, every fee change. SEE THE FULL LIST.

Surf Coast Shire Council adopted its 2023-24 budget on Tuesday night. Pictured are mayor Liz Pattison, chief executive Robyn Seymour and councillor Paul Barker. Pictures: Alan Barber

A record $36.4m capital works program, $15m for roads and $10.4m for pools headline Surf Coast Shire’s 2023-24 budget.

Under the budget, passed on Tuesday night, the shire will collect $63.6m in rates and charges revenue over the next year, with the result a net deficit of $18.3m,

However, the $18m deficit is projected to be partially offset by positive asset re-evaluations, effectively resulting in a $12m loss.

Under the budget, rates within the shire are set to go up in the next financial year by 3.5 per cent on average, under the cap set by the Victorian government’s Fair Go Rates system.

Surf Coast Shire mayor Liz Pattison noted the rise was below inflation, which sat at 7 per cent in the March 2023 quarter.

“We know cost-of-living pressures are rising for many community members and we have ways to help,” Ms Pattison said.

“If you would like to access a rates payment plan, please reach out to council.”

Councillor Libby Stapleton said developing a balanced budget was a “real challenge”.

Councillor Adrian Scholfelder said he found elements of the budget “encouraging and exciting”, highlighting the possibility of attracting a Sustainability Victoria grant to fund recycling local glass into asphalt.

Paul Barker was the sole councillor to vote against the budget, criticising it for overspending and a reliance on government grants and stepping outside “the remit of council … roads, rubbish and reducing rates”.

“It’s clear to me that the total amount of money this organisation takes from residents and ratepayers is only limited by state legislation as it’s been highlighted,” Mr Barker said.

Councillor Heather Wellington lent the budget her support, but not without reservations, while councillor Kate Gazzard disagreed with Mr Barker.

“I see the council’s role as what you see when you step outside your front door, whether you can ride the bike safely on trails, whether your kids can get to school, if your community is healthy and happy and safe,” Ms Gazzard said.

The shire received 16 submissions on its draft budget, that included a request to increase rates by just 3 per cent, several Winchelsea concerns and even a request for Christmas decorations.

Ms Pattison thanked those who made a submission.

“It is helpful to hear from community members about their needs and expectations when developing the budget,” she said, noting some of the submissions related to projects already in the budget.

“Requests for additional funding are not easily accommodated as it most likely would require a reduction in expenditure in another important area.”

Originally published as Surf Coast Shire budget: This is how residents’ money will be spent for the next year