Ararat Rural City Council is inviting residents throughout the municipality to input how their rates are spent.
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Five information sessions on the council's Draft 2021/22 Budget will be held at different locations across the municipality between Monday, June 14 and Thursday, June 17.
The information sessions are as follows:
- Monday, June 14: 6.30pm at Tatyoon Hall
- Tuesday, June 15: 11.00am at Elmhurst Hall
- Tuesday, June 15: 7.00pm at Alexandra Oval Community Centre
- Wednesday, June 16: 11.00am at Ararat Town Hall Foyer
- Thursday, June 17: 6.30pm at Lake Bolac Complex
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Ararat Rural City Council chief executive Dr Tim Harrison said one of the most notable aspects of the budget was reduced rates.
"Our 1.5% cut to council rates makes Ararat Rural City the only local government in Victoria that has delivered a net zero per cent increase in rates over the past four years," he said.
The next lowest in rates by a Victorian council during this period was an increase of 4.75 per cent, with the state average being an increase of 7.93 per cent.
The Draft 2021/22 Budget plans for $28.155 million expenditure. Almost half of this expenditure ($13.017 million) will be invested in vital capital works projects, including $11.389 million to be spent on roads.
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Other key points in the Draft 2021/22 Budget include:
- Implementation of a new waste management strategy ($500,000)
- The development of a new planning scheme over 2021-23 ($375,000)
- Initiative to support partnerships or government models to develop housing ($500,000)
- Investment in bridges ($690,000)
- Investment in bicycle paths ($265,000)
- Investment in drainage ($673,000)
- Upgrade of Gordon Street Recreation Reserve ($150,000 from the council. The project's total cost will be about $3.1 million)
To view the complete Draft 2021/22 Budget or make a submission, visit www.engageararat.vic.gov.au.
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