MORE than $29 million of capital works will be carried out throughout Gannawarra Shire during the coming 12 months following adoption of the 2024-25 budget.
Adopted at the June ordinary meeting, the new budget outlines how the council will spend the $53.373 million of revenue generated through rates, charges and grants during 2024-25, with an underlying surplus of $389,000.
“Council will continue to support key services our residents rely on and invest in some significant capital-works projects, made possible thanks to the support of the State and Federal governments,” Mayor Ross Stanton said.
“The underlying surplus is an improvement compared to the proposed version of the budget ($5000).
“However, we are committed to looking at ways we can continue to maintain current service levels under challenging economic constraints.”
Council’s major capital works project for 2024-25 is construction of The Glasshouse @ The Gannawarra, which is to be incorporated into Kerang’s Sir John Gorton Library.
The budget will also support the future redevelopment of the Cohuna and Kerang swimming pools, with $80,000 allocated to engage a designer to development plans for both sites based on information outlined in the Gannawarra aquatic strategy.
“Once approved by councillors following a community engagement period, council will use the designs to seek funding from the State and Federal governments to complement council’s contribution to these key works,” Cr Stanton said.
Work to repair roads damaged by the 2022 floods will continue throughout 2024-25, with $8 million allocated to support these works, while $298,000 will be provided for urban stormwater network and pump renewal works to minimise flooding during future storm events.
“The 2024-25 budget maintains key services council provides to the community, such as our popular children’s services, libraries, waste management and recreational facilities,” Cr Stanton said.
The budget also complies with the State Government’s Fair Go Rates System, which states that the total revenue raised through municipal rates cannot increase by more than 2.75 per cent on the previous year.
Council sought community feedback regarding the proposed budget, resulting in 10 people making submissions on topics ranging from road repairs after the 2022 floods to The Glasshouse project.
A Kerang resident said the council was “wasting too much money” on building The Glasshouse.
“The money could be spent on a lot more important things, such as drainage,” they said.
“Build these things when we have got the money, not when we are struggling … rates are through the roof.”
In response, the council said The Glasshouse would provide “significant” benefits, including modern meeting spaces for community events; a creative media lab equipped for movie making, music recording and video creation; landscaped indoor-outdoor areas incorporating unique lighting elements; and youth programs supporting lifelong learning through digital technology, all while featuring sustainable initiatives like solar panels and energy-efficient lighting.
“This project is largely funded by government grants, minimising the financial impact on our local budget, and it represents a strategic investment aimed at enhancing our town’s appeal, boosting tourism and supporting economic growth,” the council said.
