by Emma Ballingall

Tough decisions have been made as Baw Baw Shire proposes a three per cent rate increase and phasing out of the pensioner rebate in its 2025/26 draft budget.

Mayor Danny Goss acknowledged the decisions were unfortunate but necessary as councillors balance population growth, demand for services and financial sustainability.
"I'm very proud to put this out to the public," Cr Goss told Wednesday's council meeting. "No, it's not perfect, no we don't all agree on all bits of it. There's still more work to go. It's not beyond criticism."
The draft budget, which maintains a differential rate system but cuts and simplifies categories from seven to three, is now out for public feedback after being unanimously endorsed by councillors.
It projects a surplus of $23.2 million, the same as last year, with total income of $141.4 million and $118.2 million in expenses.
A feature is a $46.1 million capital works program, including design works for a pavilion at Longwarry Recreation Reserve and a masterplan with an athletic track focus for the Burke St and Logan Park sporting precincts in Warragul.
Council is proposing a three per cent rate rise, in line with the state government's rate cap, amidst exceptional population growth in the shire, escalating costs and reduced funding from state and federal governments.
It equates to an increase of 1.77 per cent for the average residential ratepayer, Cr Goss said.
Total revenue from rates and charges is forecast at $81.6 million, including $65.8 million from rates, $14.5 million for waste charges and $950,000 in new property additions. This represents an additional $5.3 million on last year's budget.
Waste charges also are set to rise from $464 to $554 for residential ratepayers, an increase of 19.4 per cent.
Cr Paul Pratt described the draft budget as "financially prudent", noting it had been a "hot topic" for the new councillor group and staff over the past four months.
Cr Pratt said council needed the support of the state government at a significantly greater level to deliver the infrastructure and services the Baw Baw community needed and deserved.
"Hence why we've had to make some fairly difficult decisions in the budget we share today," he added.
"Just like an individual household budget, no matter how tight the cash position you find yourself in, there's always an opportunity to cut costs or do a little bit more to generate some extra dollars. We see the council budget as being no different, so there is a chance to review and tweak before we finalise."
Cr Tricia Jones said the draft budget followed "much discussion and careful consideration."
Enthusiastic about the $46.1 million capital works program, Cr Jones highlighted the $1.6 million Drouin streetscape project, new design for Longwarry pavilion design and delivery of the Dowton Park pavilion at Yarragon.
Cr Suzanne Allen said working on a multi-million dollar budget was both a complex and demanding task, emphasising "nothing is ever truly free or necessarily straightforward."
"To put it plainly, tough decisions have had to be made," Cr Allen said. "These decisions are not always popular but they are necessary to ensure that we continue to move forward in a financially responsible and sustainable way."
Cr Allen highlighted an investment in service reviews to identify "what is working and what isn't, and where improvements can be made so we can make the most of every dollar".
Cr Brendan Kingwill congratulated councillors and staff who had worked through seven new councillors, four chief executive officers, two chief financial officers and many directors working in acting positions to deliver the draft budget.
"We've enjoyed the arguments, we've enjoyed the challenges," Cr Kingwill said.
Cr Goss said it had been a long and difficult process to put the budget together, acknowledging "a lot of blood, sweat and tears, and quite a few arguments" from councillors.
He highlighted long-term infrastructure and financial plans weren't yet finished but would be tabled before October 31.
"Submissions were and are listened to and we welcome them at any time," he said.