The budget has been developed in line with the Victorian Government’s rate cap of 2.75 per cent.
Council did not apply for a variation to the rate cap as it seeks to absorb increasing costs.
Mayor Andrea Metcalf said community involvement was important in shaping the budget for the next financial year.
“Thank you to all residents who contributed to the 2024-25 budget process and to those who made submissions,” she said.
“We saw a three-fold increase in community engagement compared to last year’s budget, which helped us to check-in with residents on what mattered to you.
‘’Clear themes emerged from the feedback, prioritising investment in roads, bridges and drainage, followed by waste, recycling, resource recovery, parks, gardens, open spaces and footpaths, tracks, and trails.
“We also had to consider the serious impact of our changing environment and the challenges it brings, such as the recent floods, which are estimated to require $15 million in repairs over the next two years.’’
The 2024-25 budget allocates investment in key projects and priorities to enhance infrastructure and facilities in the community.
“Our focus has been on balancing cost increases while continuing to invest in the priority service areas identified by our residents. This aligns with our Council Plan ( Mir wimbul ), also developed with significant community input,” Cr Metcalf said.
“The gap continues to grow between the revenue the city can raise, and the cost of delivering 68 services whilst funding new projects.
‘’The rate cap has not kept up with inflation, which means council must carefully prioritise how it spends public money.
“It is a continuous challenge to stretch rates, fees, charges, and grants to maintain service delivery. However, our decision-making remains focused on achieving the best community outcomes.’’
The City of Greater Bendigo’s operating budget for 2024-25 is $169 million, funding the maintenance of parks, gardens, recreation facilities, waste collection, street cleaning, environmental health, statutory planning, road maintenance, tourism, visitor services, Bendigo Art Gallery, The Capital, and Ulumbarra theatres, among other services.
Over the past five years, the gap between inflation and rate increases has reached an estimated $49 million.
Due to these rising costs, waste charges will increase by $34 for a 140 litre bin in the 2024-25 financial year.
This increase reflects the cost of providing the service, as council does not profit from waste services.
Residents will also notice a change on their rates notice: the Resource Recovery (waste) Service Charge will now be combined and called the Bins and Waste Services Charge.
To read the budget document, visit www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/about-us/plans-strategies-and-documents/budget
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