Budget 2009-2010

The proposed 2009-2010 Budget as advertised will be considered at the Council meeting on Wednesday of this week. Thankyou to those who have participated in the process and a number of submissions have been received for council’s consideration.   

Some of the significant items included in the budget include: completing the Health and Well Being Plan, roadside management protection and mapping of noxious weed infestations, a new toilet in the Alexandra shopping centre, participating in the development of the Goulburn River High Country rail trail, environmental initiatives, industry forums for Marysville Triangle and Kinglake Ranges and the completion of a $17.4 million capital works program including the rebuilding of assets destroyed.

Rebuilding activity

It is great to see families returning, and rebuilding activity happening across the fire affected areas of the shire.

While legislation still requires residents rebuilding to apply for a number of permits including planning, building and septic, we have made every effort to assist in the process. Changes have been made to normal council systems where possible, removing the red tape, to speed up the processing timeframes for permits as much as possible.  Current average times for the processing of permits when all required information has been obtained are 14 days for building permits, 6 days for planning consents and 28 days for planning permits.

Some may have the view that we seem to be hindering the rebuilding but these processes and permits are necessary to ensure that the provisions of Acts and Regulations are met. Items such as structural adequacy, safe access, energy efficiency, fire safety and property amenity are covered. Permits are required to assist with property insurance and the eventual resale of properties.  

All application forms are available from council’s web site and if you need assistance with completing them, please don’t hesitate to contact our officers who will be happy to assist.

Councillors have attended a number of meetings and functions over the past week including – Regional Waste Management Group Seminar, Section 86 Committee meeting, Yea Wetlands Dinner, Community Newspaper Association of Victoria Conference in Toolangi, 12^th Annual Steam and Wood Show at Alexandra Timber Tramways Museum, Alexandra Open Garden Dinner, CFA Board Meeting.

Thought for the week - "There are two ways to meet difficulties.  You alter the difficulty, or you alter yourself to meet them" Phyllis.