1.2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Introduction

The 2022-23 Budget has been prepared based on the adopted principles within the 2021-2025 Council Plan and Financial Plan. The Budget seeks to maintain and improve services and infrastructure as well as deliver projects and services that are valued by our community, and do this within the 1.75% rate increase mandated by the State Government.

The Budget projects a surplus of $7.4m for 2022-23, however, it should be noted that the adjusted underlying result is a surplus of $0.1m after removing capital grants and capital contributions.

Within the principles of the Council Plan, there have been some areas of increased focus for Council in the 2022-23 financial year. These include dedicated expenditure on infrastructure maintenance and renewal to ensure adequate service levels are maintained. Council has also ensured that all new initiatives have been evaluated against Council priorities and any savings identified have been re-directed into these priority areas.

Key things Council are funding

• Ongoing delivery of services to the Golden Plains community funded by a budget of $46m. These services are summarised in Section 2 of the Budget. • Continued investment in capital assets of $18.8m. This consists of: o infrastructure totalling $17m (including roads, bridges, footpaths and cycleways($9.3m), recreation, leisure and community facilities ($5.8m), parks, open space and streetscapes ($2m); o buildings of $300k; and o Plant, machinery and equipment of $1.3m (including computers and telecommunications ($542k). The Statement of Capital Works can be found in Section 3 and further details on the capital works budget can be found in Section 4.5 of the Budget.

Strategic Direction

1. Community

2. Liveability

3. Sustainability

4. Prosperity

5. Leadership

Strategic Objectives

• Safe, resilient and proud communities • Celebrating and connecting communities • Community participation, engagement and ownership • Valuing community diversity and inclusion • Connected and accessible roads, crossings, paths and transport • Supporting healthy and active living • Provide for a diversity lifestyle and housing options • Attractive and well-maintained infrastructure and public spaces • Valuing and protecting nature, cultural heritage and the environment • Effective and responsive waste services and education • Responsibly maintaining and managing natural landscapes and resources • Mitigating climate change and promoting clean / green technology • Education, learning and skill development • Supporting local producers, agriculture and business • Improved options for shopping, hospitality, tourism and events • Local employment and training • Partnerships, advocacy and opportunities for investment • Information and engagement to involve community in decision making • Accountable and transparent governance and financial management • Responsive service delivery supported by systems, resources and an engaged workforce • Planning, advocating and innovating for the future