WARRNAMBOOL City Council says it is preparing for a future of "unprecedented uncertainty" with an allocation of $1.9 million in support for the community and businesses in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The council will release its 2020-21 draft budget on Monday night which would see a rate increase of two per cent, reduced from the 4.5 per cent allowed for by the Essential Services Commission for this year.
The draft budget revealed a capital works program of $18.5 million which would include $2.9 million for the completion of the Lake Pertobe Master Plan, $11 million for the completion of Reid Oval and $1.3 million towards the library and learning centre development.
The report noted the draft budget reflected a significant cut in services directly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and "sadly encompasses stand downs to many valuable staff" until those services can be reopened.
"These staff continue to be an important part of our future for Warrnambool's community," the report stated.
"Whilst understanding the fiscal damage this pandemic has wreaked on our local economy, we must prepare and act for a COVID-19-free future.
"We must create a budget that allows for the downturn in service but that seeks to both stimulate and support our municipality into the future."
The report stated the budget acknowledged the impact of the global pandemic on its provision of services to the community and sought to balance the reality of its current circumstances with a need to still maintain services and infrastructure as well as deliver projects and services that were needed and valued by the community.
