Friday 29 May 2009.


“This is a very healthy and responsible draft budget aimed at ensuring our continued viability so that Indigo can do what it has always done – provide more and improved services to our residents,” Cr Graham said.

“The draft budget continues to reduce debt and helps create jobs which will have economic spin-offs in the towns where capital works and other initiatives are undertaken.

“Indigo Shire is, once again, in a sound financial position, which has been endorsed by the Victorian Auditor General in his 2008 report.”

Cr Graham said the Council had taken a strong approach in formulating the draft budget, taking into account the impact of the global financial situation.

“Now is the time to be bold. We need to help keep the wheels of our local economy turning because that benefits everyone,” he said.

Cr Graham said the Council had drafted the budget in line with an extensive community consultation process with residents earlier this year.

“Our residents told us what they wanted us to do for them in the coming years and this draft budget aligns with the 4-year Council Plan our residents helped us develop,” Cr Graham said.

Indigo Shire Council will meet next Tuesday June 2 to consider the draft budget. It will then go on display for public comment for 28 days.

The draft budget of $30.65 million focuses on a large capital works program of $9.58 million with different projects across the shire, maintaining iconic heritage buildings and infrastructure, as well as improving, and in some areas increasing, service levels.

Highlights of the proposed capital works program include Osbornes Flat Rd bridge widening ($245,000); Chiltern Industrial Estate Development ($410,000); Lake Sambell Beechworth paths and infrastructure ($280,000); Rutherglen water reuse scheme ($140,000); Yackandandah public hall upgrade ($1.2 million); Wahgunyah boat ramp ($380,000); and Allans Flat road sealing ($201,000) and upgrading Beechworth Skate Park ($123,000).

The average residential rate for Indigo shire residents will increase $76 from $1089 to $1165, based on the average property value of $257,500. The $76 is made up of an increase of $49.22 in the general rate, increase of $8.85 in the municipal charge and increases of up to $17.93 in waste charges.

“Indigo Shire’s rates and charges continue to be in line with the average for small shires in Victoria. We have maintained this position for the past four years, and we are one of the lowest rating small, rural shires in the North East,” Cr Graham said.

“Indigo’s rates are made up of three main components. Based on the proposed rate increases in this budget, the average residential rates will increase in total by 7% which still places Indigo ratepayers in a better position compared to other North East municipalities. The proposed increases for the three rate components are 8.5% for the General Valuation component, 4.4% for the Municipal Charge and 4.0% for Waste Charges.

“Our rates and charges revenue of $9.81 million is just 32% of our total revenue of $30.65 million. Many similar sized councils have rate revenue as high as 44- 46% of their total income.

“This budget is aligned to the new Council Plan and sets us up for the future. We will continue to pay down debt, continue to maintain and upgrade infrastructure and continue to provide and improve services our residents have told us they want.”


Media inquiries:
Mayor, Cr Peter Graham OAM
0429 198 100

CEO, Brendan McGrath
03-5728 8000