Councillors approved the release of the $45.7 million draft budget for public comment at their meeting on Wednesday. 

Under the plan, rates will rise by 2 per cent, in line with the state government’s rate cap. A total of $15 million will be spent on a capital works program and the shire proposes to pay out its $2.4-million debt in the next financial year.

Major initiatives include $1.14 million for Stage 1 of the Port Campbell Streetscape Project, $150,000 for upgrades to Terang Civic Hall and $133,000 for works to the Camperdown Clock Tower.

Councillor Helen Durant said the draft budget balanced maintaining service levels with prudent financial management.

“I think this is a very responsible budget,” she said.

“Ultimately as a councillor I want to make sure that we can deliver services and infrastructure at levels that meet community needs and expectations and within our funding capacity.”

Cr Simon Illingworth said no one in the shire would miss out in the 2017-18 budget.

Cr Ruth Gstrein said after many hours of work, the council had produced a financially-responsible budget, despite the increasing squeeze on local government, especially through state government cost shifting.

Cr Bev McArthur agreed that cost shifting onto local government was “deplorable”, however, she applauded the council’s move to cut debt.

“It’s especially pleasing that we’re going to have a balanced budget and that we’ll be free of debt. I think that’s a major achievement,” she said.

Mayor Jo Beard said it was now vital for the public to have its say.

“I can’t stress enough how important it is that everyone in our community gets their hands on this draft budget, has a look at it and gives us some feedback,” she said.

“Tell us what you think, tell us if we’re on the right track, if there’s something we’ve missed. It’s still in draft form and it’s really important that we get that feedback before adopting it.”

The $45.7 million budget includes:

Some major roads projects include rehabilitations of sections of Timboon-Curdievale Road, Mount Bute Road, Valley View Road, Boorcan Road and Ansons Road.

Submission on the draft budget close on May 31.