Draft Annual Budget 2024/25

The Council Budget details how Council will deliver quality services to the community through a combination of existing programs, new initiatives and capital works to achieve the Community Vision of a healthy, sustainable and thriving Baw Baw Shire.

2024/25 marks the final budget of a Council term defined by the delivery of several major long-term projects, including the ~$12.5 million Warragul Leisure Centre Stadium Expansion, the $4.1 million upgrade of the Drouin Recreation Reserve Oval and the delivery of the Rollo Street Masterplan project in Yarragon, the continued delivery of more than 80 invaluable services, and so much more.

Responding to financial pressures

Over the next 12 months, Council will build on its plan, design and deliver approach to continue the balance of providing our community with the services and infrastructure they depend on while navigating an unpredictable and high-cost economic environment.

For the financial year ahead, the increase in rate revenue is capped at 2.75% in line with the Victorian Government’s Fair Go Rates System, meanwhile, the Consumer Price Index has increased by 4.1% over the 12 months to December 2023, increasing costs associated with the delivery of projects and services.

Through prudent financial management in this rate-capped environment, Council has minimised the impact on household budgets and achieved an average residential rate rise of approximately $19 for Baw Baw's residents.

For the first time this year, Council has an added challenge following a recommendation by the Minister for Local Government that local Council’s restructure their waste charge.

To align with best practice measures, Baw Baw Shire Council elected to follow this advice, despite it forcing Council to absorb more than $10 million in additional costs over the next 10 years. This is due to Council no longer being able to fund services such as street, footpath and drain cleaning and the provision of public bins from the funds sourced via the waste charge, but instead it will now need to fund these from other revenue sources.

Residents can expect to see a reduction in their waste charge this year. However, while the cost to residents will appear lower, the cumulative cost to Council from the State Government’s advice will have impacts on future budgets.

Delivering quality projects and services

Despite these challenges, Council continues to prioritise the needs of the community. Through the Draft Annual Budget, Council seeks to provide key community facilities and assets, deliver programs and services, implement plans and update important technology, all of which will benefit the Baw Baw community now and into the future.

Part of the Draft Annual Budget is the Long Term Infrastructure Plan. It details how Council will deliver $43 million of exciting community projects across the Shire over the next 12 months, including major road upgrades, playground renewals, sporting infrastructure and upgrades to community facilities.

Click here for an in-depth look at the Long Term Infrastructure Plan and to have your say on the projects included.

Council also has an exciting array of major initiatives lined up for the year ahead, including:

  • Introduction of a separate glass waste collection service in 2024 and continuing to prepare for the introduction of a Food Organics and Green Organics (FOGO) service in 2026.
  • Identification and assessment of significant trees to develop a Significant Tree Register. The register will be considered for future protection amendments in the Baw Baw Planning Scheme.
  • Ongoing implementation of the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan and corresponding Annual Action Plan.

Click here for a detailed look at the initiatives funded through this year's Draft Annual Budget.

Thank you for your feedback

We asked residents to provide feedback on Council's proposed operational budget for the financial year ahead. This included operational expenses, fees and charges, and differential rates.

Consultation closed on Wednesday, 8 May 2024.

Those who indicated they would like to speak to their submission will be able to do so at the Council Meeting on Wednesday 15 May 2024.

The Council Budget details how Council will deliver quality services to the community through a combination of existing programs, new initiatives and capital works to achieve the Community Vision of a healthy, sustainable and thriving Baw Baw Shire.

2024/25 marks the final budget of a Council term defined by the delivery of several major long-term projects, including the ~$12.5 million Warragul Leisure Centre Stadium Expansion, the $4.1 million upgrade of the Drouin Recreation Reserve Oval and the delivery of the Rollo Street Masterplan project in Yarragon, the continued delivery of more than 80 invaluable services, and so much more.

Responding to financial pressures

Over the next 12 months, Council will build on its plan, design and deliver approach to continue the balance of providing our community with the services and infrastructure they depend on while navigating an unpredictable and high-cost economic environment.

For the financial year ahead, the increase in rate revenue is capped at 2.75% in line with the Victorian Government’s Fair Go Rates System, meanwhile, the Consumer Price Index has increased by 4.1% over the 12 months to December 2023, increasing costs associated with the delivery of projects and services.

Through prudent financial management in this rate-capped environment, Council has minimised the impact on household budgets and achieved an average residential rate rise of approximately $19 for Baw Baw's residents.

For the first time this year, Council has an added challenge following a recommendation by the Minister for Local Government that local Council’s restructure their waste charge.

To align with best practice measures, Baw Baw Shire Council elected to follow this advice, despite it forcing Council to absorb more than $10 million in additional costs over the next 10 years. This is due to Council no longer being able to fund services such as street, footpath and drain cleaning and the provision of public bins from the funds sourced via the waste charge, but instead it will now need to fund these from other revenue sources.

Residents can expect to see a reduction in their waste charge this year. However, while the cost to residents will appear lower, the cumulative cost to Council from the State Government’s advice will have impacts on future budgets.

Delivering quality projects and services

Despite these challenges, Council continues to prioritise the needs of the community. Through the Draft Annual Budget, Council seeks to provide key community facilities and assets, deliver programs and services, implement plans and update important technology, all of which will benefit the Baw Baw community now and into the future.

Part of the Draft Annual Budget is the Long Term Infrastructure Plan. It details how Council will deliver $43 million of exciting community projects across the Shire over the next 12 months, including major road upgrades, playground renewals, sporting infrastructure and upgrades to community facilities.

Click here for an in-depth look at the Long Term Infrastructure Plan and to have your say on the projects included.

Council also has an exciting array of major initiatives lined up for the year ahead, including:

  • Introduction of a separate glass waste collection service in 2024 and continuing to prepare for the introduction of a Food Organics and Green Organics (FOGO) service in 2026.
  • Identification and assessment of significant trees to develop a Significant Tree Register. The register will be considered for future protection amendments in the Baw Baw Planning Scheme.
  • Ongoing implementation of the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan and corresponding Annual Action Plan.

Click here for a detailed look at the initiatives funded through this year's Draft Annual Budget.

Thank you for your feedback

We asked residents to provide feedback on Council's proposed operational budget for the financial year ahead. This included operational expenses, fees and charges, and differential rates.

Consultation closed on Wednesday, 8 May 2024.

Those who indicated they would like to speak to their submission will be able to do so at the Council Meeting on Wednesday 15 May 2024.

Page last updated: 09 May 2024, 07:47 AM