With the exception of Glenelg Shire Council's unusually low 1.9 per cent rise, other councils have calculated a rise of about five per cent to strike the balance between maintaining community services and cutting expenses.

Moyne Shire Council yesterday voted for 5.75 per cent following Warrnambool City's 5.5 per cent rise on Monday night. Corangamite Shire Council has ticked the five per cent box, as has Southern Grampians Shire Council.

All of them are aiming to achieve a surplus result, but that may be tougher for the 2016-17 budget after the state government imposes a cap on rates rises to rein in expenses and ease the burden on ratepayers.

Anything above the yet-to-be-announced cap must be approved by a state monitor.

Employee wages will continue to rise by an average 4.4 per cent and the annual Grants Commission allocation is still in the grip of a three-year federal indexation freeze.

Warrnambool has wisely decided to factor in a half-a-per-cent rise to create a new fund to renew assets and another half a per cent for a small infrastructure fund started last year. That will ensure there are some reserves to maintain buildings, roads and drainage as well as provide some chance for community groups to get small grants for local projects.

The challenge for Warrnambool will be to continue the many good community services which are used not only by local residents, but many from outlying towns.

User fees will bring in about $16.4 million next financial year while fines and statutory fees will provide about $1.1 million.

However, government grants will be down by about $8 million.

Ratepayers will continue to demand that their councils trim unnecessary expenses and set efficiency targets. That's what good business operators and householders do, so why should councils be different?

IT’S been four years since a sitting Prime Minister visited the south-west. Back in 2010, Kevin Rudd, who then occupied the lodge, briefly spent time in Warrnambool.

But on July 3 and 4, Prime Minister Tony Abbott is preparing to be in the region for two days with the unveiling of a key agricultural white paper seemingly top of his agenda.

Mr Abbott’s visit is welcome news. His arrival will ensure the spotlight is on the south-west but crucially it should give Wannon MP Dan Tehan an opportunity to highlight issues confronting the region.

 For some, Mr Abbott’s visit will be considered long overdue so he can expect a busy schedule. We will be eagerly waiting for any benefits that come our way.