Looking ahead to next Council budget

Is there a Council service you think could be improved with more funding?

Or a category of infrastructure - such as footpaths, bike paths or parks - you think needs a funding boost? Now is the time to let us know…

We were seeking community views and ideas to help us develop a draft Council budget for the 2016/17 year. Views were sought by Sunday 8 November.

To provide some context:

• Council is in a solid financial position, having recently become debt-free for the first time in its 21-year history
• Monash has the lowest average rates (per head of population) of all 79 councils in Victoria. Next year, the State Government is introducing ‘rate capping’, which means councils will be restricted in how much they can increase their rates, unless they apply for and receive a variation to the ‘rate cap’. These restrictions on rate increases have the potential to create significant financial pressures for councils in the long-term
• This year, Council has increased its funding for basic community infrastructure (such as drainage, footpaths, children’s playspaces and sports pavilions) rather than funding major projects. The aim has been to lift the standard of infrastructure that is used regularly by our community, while also providing excellent services and maintaining Victoria’s lowest average rates.