Council calls for community feedback

The draft council plan 2021-25 defines the strategic direction of council, while the draft financial plan 2021-2031 lays the foundations for a strong and stable economic framework.

The draft revenue and rating plan provides a medium-term plan for how council will generate income to deliver on the council plan, program and services and capital works commitments over a four year period.

The draft 2021-22 budget aims to balance the competing needs of the Moira community, while recognising the hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mayor Libro Mustica said the council plan included the strategic direction of council and the objectives for achieving that strategic direction.

“As part of the council plan we have developed a vision to work together to be a welcoming, healthy and sustainable council that encourages diversity, business ingenuity and inclusion,” he said.

The 10-year financial plan includes statements describing the financial resources required to give effect to the council plan plus other strategic plans of council.

“The financial plan will give detailed information about the decisions and assumptions of council that underpin the economic forecasts,” Cr Mustica said.

“This plan also documents statements describing any other resource requirements that council considers appropriate or prescribed by the regulations.”

Cr Mustica said this four year plan was a new requirement under the Local Government Act 2020.

“It incorporates how revenue will be generated through rates on properties; any fixed service charges that might be applied on services; revenue generated from use or allocation of council assets; developer contributions; operational and capital grants from other levels of government; plus entrepreneurial, business, or collaborative activities established to deliver programs or services and generate income or reduce costs,” he said.

“This plan also includes transparent consideration of the policy objectives and social, economic, and environmental benefit delivered through subsidies, waivers and discounts.”

Cr Mustica said the draft budget was prepared in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic, social and health issues local communities have endured throughout this crisis.

While the Victorian Government’s rate cap for 2021-22 has been set at 1.5 per cent, council has a zero per cent rise on own fees and charges.

All submissions must be written and can be submitted online at www.moira.vic.gov.au, via email info@moira.vic.gov.au or by mail PO Box 578 Cobram 3643 by 5pm Wednesday, June 2, 2021.

To make a submission to the draft 2021-22 budget, use the statutory form on the council website or contact the customer experience team on 5871 9222 for a mailed hardcopy.

A councillor drop-in session is on Wednesday, May 19, at the Cobram Civic Centre by appointment only for anyone wishing to chat informally with a councillor before making a submission.

A committee of council meeting will meet Monday, June 7, to hear any person in support of their submission to the draft 2021-22 budget.