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Wangaratta Chronicle 260423

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Wednesday, April 26, 2023

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MARCHING IN REMEMBRANCE LARGE crowds turned out at Wangaratta’s ANZAC Day services with Wangaratta RSL sub-branch president Lieutenant General (Rtd) Ash Power AO CSC describing them as “some of the best we’ve ever had”. Pictured (from left) are Russell Walsh, Adrian Younger and Shane Welch of the 8th Indi Light Horse Heritage Troop during the official ANZAC Day march to the cenotaph. Stories pages 2 and 3. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Full rate rise RATEPAYERS might face the full 3.5 per cent rate rise that will generate $31.36 million in council revenue, despite thoughts aired by some Wangaratta councillors to lower the burden on local property owners. Mayor Dean Rees and Deputy Mayor Harry Bussell voiced their concerns earlier this year that given the current economic climate, council might consider lowering rates below the 3.5pc Fair Go Rate Cap. However, the published

Councillors asked to consider draft budget’s g 3.5% rate increase BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au

officer’s report for tonight’s April meeting at Milawa recommends a different view. Councillors are expected to endorse the Rural City of Wangaratta’s 2023/24 Draft Budget, which cites future restraints that “far exceed”

the 3.5pc rate cap. “Budgetary pressures extending into future years may include the continued increase to the superannuation guarantee, possible outcomes from employee bargaining agreement negotiations and the continued pressure of the rate cap, especially in an environment where cost inflation of materials and services council procures far exceeds the 3.5pc rate cap,”

the officer’s report read. Total user fees are estimated at $11.99m, an increase of $700k on the 2022/23 forecast, and contributing to increases are services such as the performing arts, and the sports and aquatic centres. Highlights of the draft budget show a total income of $84.68m, operating expenditure of $75.25m, an accounting surplus of $9.45m, and a capital

works program of $24.97m ($4.74m carried over from 2022/23). The capital works program will be funded by $9.15m of grant funding and $15.82m of council cash from operations, reserves and investments. The $20.23m of new works for 2023/24 include:  $3.90m for flood mitigation structures ($2.53m State Government funding);

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 $3.32m for Newman Street drainage upgrade ($3.38m State Government funding);  $2.62m for plant replacement;  $1.83m for the gravel resheeting program;  $850k for the annual reseal program;  $850k for kerb and channel renewal; and  $699k for ICT strategy implementation. ■ Continued page 2

Mason Park Funerals


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