Pyrenees Shire Council draft budget 2024-25 released to the public

Published on 13 May 2024

Pyrenees Shire Council’s Draft Budget 2024-2025 has been released for public comment after a special Council meeting last week.

Pyrenees Mayor Cr Robert Vance said the budget is fiscally responsible, balancing a determination to maintain current services against static revenue streams and high inflation while also considering financial sustainability.

“It’s a very tricky balancing act given the environment local government is operating in, but we believe this budget is cost-conscious and responsible.”

Cr Vance said Council had to develop its budget in the context of the State Government’s rate cap – set at 2.75% for 2024-25 – where revenue is not keeping pace with cost increases.

He said the budget has also been impacted by the Victorian Government’s decision to not index the funding it provides for some Council services.

“These factors have placed a significant burden on Council if it is to retain current service levels,” Cr Vance said.

“As a result, Council has had to adjust the 2024-2025 capital works program by not indexing spending to inflation, meaning a decrease in capital works over the coming year.

“Council is very conscious that this is not a sustainable management practice for our road assets, and it highlights the huge importance of the local government sector – including Pyrenees – to continue lobbying the Federal Government for additional untied grants to support small rural councils like ours.”

Cr Vance said the draft budget also reflected the additional financial burdens placed on Council by ongoing costs from flooding in 2022 and this year’s Bayindeen fire emergency.

Pyrenees Shire Council’s Draft Budget 2024-25 is available from the Council’s website www.pyrenees.vic.gov.au/draftbudget. Submissions can be made before 9am on Tuesday 11 June 2024.