Cardinia Shire Council Mayor Cr Brett Owen has thanked residents for their input into the draft budget and Council Plan, saying Council would use the feedback to help direct its operations now and into the future.

Council released its draft budget and draft Council Plan for public comment last month and will meet to formally adopt the documents on Monday 17 June.

Cr Owen said the public contribution to the preparation of these draft documents had been significant and residents could be confident their contribution was valued.

“A key goal for this Council is to increase our public engagement and build stronger partnerships with our community and we have greatly appreciated the response to the public consultation process for these two key documents,” Cr Owen said.

“This process has given us a greater understanding of how we can strengthen our relationships and work together to make Cardinia Shire an even better place to be.”

More than 50 people responded to a survey inviting comment on important local issues which helped direct development of the draft Council Plan. The plan identifies the key challenges for the coming years and outlines the action Council will take to address these challenges.

A further 30 residents attended an information session on 27 May where Council officers outlined key features of the draft budget and answered questions from the gallery. On Tuesday night, Council heard submissions from the public.

Cr Owen said the draft budget had been designed to absorb challenges such as the unfunded superannuation liability faced by all councils (approximately $3.8 million for Cardinia) and the late State Government changes to the differential rating system which impacted on the budgeted revenue of Council by about $220,000.

These two amounts when considered in relation to rate dollars collected by Council imposed the equivalent of an 8 per cent rate increase on Council,” Cr Owen said.

“Council has reviewed its forward plan presented as part of the 2012–13 budget and a rate rise of 6.8 per cent is proposed to address the impact of these challenges without having to borrow further money, as has happened in other municipalities.

“Nobody likes a rate increase but we have had to ensure we continue to meet the needs of our rapidly growing population, and maintain services and infrastructure in our rural communities,” Cr Owen said.

“This budget will enable Council to continue to improve our roads, footpaths and build the new recreational facilities that our communities need.”

A capital works program worth more than $23 million is a feature of the draft budget with $700,000 to be spent on new and improved footpaths which is an increase of over 130 per cent on 2011–12.

There will be more funding for the Lang Lang bypass ($760,000), the duplication of McGregor Road north of the railway line ($1.83 million) and a new regional soccer facility ($1 million) in Henry Road, Pakenham.

Other features include:

  • Further development of Holm Park Recreation Reserve, Beaconsfield ($1.078m)
  • Significant upgrade works at Chandler Reserve, Emerald ($500,000)
  • Development of Gum Scrub Creek Reserve, Officer ($338,000)
  • Surface upgrade at Nar Nar Goon Recreation Reserve ($300,000)
  • Officer Recreation Reserve netball courts ($300,000)
  • Upgrade of access road and car par at Cochrane Park, Koo Wee Rup ($150,000)
  • Improvements to Pepis Land, Emerald ($150,000)

View the draft budget and draft Council Plan on the 'Have Your Say' web page of Council's website www.cardinia.vic.gov.au. Hard copies are on display at the Council offices and Pakenham, Emerald and mobile libraries.