Message from the Mayor

As with many other local governments, delivery of the current year’s capital program has been constrained by supply chain issues - shortages in equipment, supplies, and materials and challenges engaging suitable contractors.

Council’s capital program is strongly focused on renewals but also includes upgrades to existing infrastructure such as the externally funded upgrade to Bonnie Doon Road and the replacement of the timber bridge on Withersfield Road. Expenditure on new infrastructure includes the installation of the much-needed flood warning network gauges and flooded road cameras. We are also investing in the pre-delivery phases of projects such as planning, feasibility, design and concept.

Combined funding by the state and federal governments to the tune of $27 million will help council deliver key capital projects included in this significant program.

Investing in capital infrastructure means we are securing our future - the projects included in our program recognise the growth of our region and will value-add to the way of life we all enjoy here in the Central Highlands.

Borrowings

While council’s long-term financial plan shows that financially we are sound, we must continue to be diligent to maintain this position. The budget and 10-year long-term financial plan indicate that we will undertake borrowings next year and in 2026-2027 to help fund our large capital works program over the next ten years.

The infrastructure demands placed on council can sometimes only be met through debt, however, council always considers the additional costs incurred by ratepayers when assets are acquired through borrowings.

The use of debt allows ratepayers in the future who will benefit from council’s infrastructure to effectively contribute to its provision or replacement rather than this burden falling on current ratepayers.

Although forecast, these planned borrowings may not proceed as council always reassesses the requirement for these funds during the year depending on additional grant funding that may be received or surplus cash that becomes available. Our focus will be on reducing debt over the longer term and by the end of our 10-year forecast, borrowings will reduce to about 1% of our total asset base.

Conclusion

This is a budget that is reflective of the current economic realities. Council recognises the cost pressures that household budgets are under, and the development of the 2023-2024 budget has been formulated with this in mind. Significant effort has gone into keeping increases in rates and charges as low as possible, while still ensuring that we can meet the financial sustainability targets set by the Department of Local Government.

This budget and our long-term financial forecast aim to ensure that council is well-positioned to manage future risks and opportunities and continues to support the planning and advocacy for the future economic prosperity of the Central Highlands region.

Cr Kerry Hayes Mayor

What we look after

Approximately $1.7 billion in assets including:

5,163 km of council roads

29,000 residents

13 communities

460 km of water mains

191 parks and open spaces

132 km of footpaths

14 resource recovery facilities

16 water and 8 wastewater treatment plants

Approximately 15,000 rateable properties

441 staff

5 aeroplane landing areas and 1 airport

15 cemeteries

10 library locations

7 customer service centres

60,000 square kilometres

Long-term destination goals

This budget is guided by our seven long-term destination goals, as outlined in the Central Highlands Regional Council Corporate Plan 2022-2027. These goals respond to our opportunities and challenges and represent what we want to achieve and where we want to be in the future.

6 aquatic centres

2 art galleries

1 saleyards

1. Deliver, enable and advocate for reliable services to our community

2. Protect and grow a diverse and prosperous economy

3. Support and enhance resilient, safe, vibrant and inclusive communities

4. Drive our council and the region towards a digital future

5. Develop a future-focused workforce to support council and our region

6. Responsibly manage our natural environment

7. Prepare for a low carbon future and adapt to a changing climate