Capital works will be a key focus for Cardinia Shire council next financial year.
Its draft budget for the year, now open for public comment, includes a capital program of $82.3 million that includes a carryover of $21 million from the current year with roads and bridges programs accounting for almost $230 million of the proposed capital spending over the four years.
Cardinia council each year also prepares a rolling four-year budget with the outlays envisaged for capital works in 2024-2025 representing about one-third of what's proposed over the four years.
Of next financial year's capital expenditure $40.9 million will be funded by rates, $21.3 from grants and contributions and $20 million from borrowings.
Mayor Jack Kowarzik said an overarching objective was to keep rates and charges as affordable as possible.
He said the rate increases would be in line with the state government's 2.75 per cent limit on increases.
Cr Kowarzik said council was determined to balance meeting challenges of rising cost of living, unpredictable impacts and costs associated with relief and recovery after natural disasters, continuing rapid population growth and demand on council assets and services.
"It's not easy but a task council was committed to in developing the draft budget."
Key principles on which the budget has been based are value for money, capacity to pay and service accessibility, he said.
Cr Kowarzik said council would hold five "pop-up" events over the next two months, including one at Garfield, for residents to learn and ask about the draft budget that is also available online at www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/Budget2024-025 until May 17.
Council proposes to formally adopt its budget in June.