Budget, Council Plan and key plans adopted

Published on 07 July 2023

At the Council Meeting on 27 June 2023, we adopted the following documents which work together to keep improving Banyule for the community:

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The Budget 2023-2027 has been prepared after community feedback received during the Budget and Council Plan engagement process, which commenced in mid-December. Council met with community members online and in person to understand the level of support for our Budget principles and to gauge community expectations across the initiatives and capital works budgets. Banyule remains in a secure and sustainable financial position as we present our Budget for 2023-2027.

Maintaining services, reducing debt

Council has been determined to maintain services while managing higher costs of delivery across services and capital works. We have done this by trimming discretionary spending, finding efficiencies wherever possible and remaining focussed on the needs of our community. We have done it without increasing our borrowings, taking us further towards our goal of reducing debt and cementing Banyule’s reputation for responsible budget management.

Council rates

Rates revenue is Council’s largest source of funding and is used to maintain and upgrade local roads, buildings, footpaths and trails, sporting facilities, parks, and playgrounds, and to provide a broad range of services including libraries, maternal and child health and youth services. General rates will increase by 3.5% for 2023/24, in line with the rate cap set by the Victorian Government. This increase is well below the Consumer Price Index.

We are pleased to report that the Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) waste service introduced in July 2022 is working as planned and, by reducing waste going to landfill, has helped stem the ever-increasing cost of waste services (not to mention the environmental advantages). While the introduction of FOGO was meticulously planned, credit must go to Banyule residents, who have got behind the program and made it a success. As a result, the total waste rates collected compared to last year will increase by 3.5%.

$40.53 million for capital works projects

Despite the inflationary and cost pressures, community-building capital works remain an essential part of our Budget. In choosing the most important and impactful projects, Council was guided by the 10-year Asset Plan and long-term financial plan adopted in June 2022. This Budget commits $40.53 million new funding for capital works in 2023/24.

• We’ve invested $11.12 million to renew and upgrade community facilities across Banyule. The most significant project is the Rosanna Library and Precinct Upgrade. Macleod Park change rooms and Montmorency North Pavilion will be upgraded.
• Our Climate Action Program will accelerate energy efficient enhancements of Council buildings. Where feasible, electric vehicles will replace our current fleet as they are due for renewal.
• Council continues to invest in roads, bridges, and drainage. We are also committed to ensuring that our parks, gardens, playgrounds, and shared paths are maintained. We’re investing $5.40 million in irrigation and drainage, including at Warringal Parklands and Loyola Reserve.
• Our footpath replacement program continues to be a focus, with another $3 million allocated. Park lighting and beatification of playgrounds and open spaces include $2.06 million for Ford Park, made possible with funds from the Victorian Government North East Link Project. Watsonia Town Square has been allocated a further $1.70 million.

Key Initiatives

The Budget includes several key initiatives and projects:

• Stage one of a new customer experience platform (CXP) that will streamline digital access to many of Banyule’s services.
• Increased advocacy on key issues including North East Link, the rail duplication, electrification of leisure centres and improved cycling and shared paths. We’ll continue to engage with other agencies and levels of government to drive the best outcomes for our community.
• Management of ecological, cultural, land and water assets at Banyule Flats and Banyule Billabong. Cultural burning practices in Nangak Tamboree and Banyule Northern Grassland with the Narrap team.
• A review of Council's Public Art Policy to guide the direction of new public art commissions until 2030.
• Complete the Masterplan for Rosanna Parklands to ensure the parklands are attractive, environmentally sustainable, and accessible for all users.
• Develop and implement other key strategies, including the Public Buildings Energy Efficiency Enhancement Program, Community Infrastructure Plan and Climate Change Adaption Framework.

Transforming the future

The 2023/24 Initiatives Budget includes $5.30 million to continue Banyule’s Digital Transformation Strategy, ensuring we remain a leader in delivering services in all the ways our community, and the future, demands of us. It involves reimagining the services we offer, transforming organisational culture, improving business performance, and strengthening digital maturity and capability. We place the customer at the centre of everything we do and strive to improve every interaction they have with Council.

Your voice counts

Council has worked hard with our community to develop a budget that meets community service priorities and expectations while being constrained by limited revenue sources and a rate cap. We are proud of this Budget, and we look forward to realising the benefits of its investments over the next 4 years.

Mayor Cr Peter Castaldo & CEO Allison Beckwith