Submissions invited for draft revenue and rating plan

Published on 21 April 2021

Council has prepared a Draft Revenue and Rating Plan for 2021-2025 that outlines how revenue is calculated and how it intends to finance the Council Plan objectives for the next four years.

Council revenue is largely made up of rates and charges (60%), government grants (30%) and fees and charges (5%).

The Revenue and Rating Plan aims to determine the most appropriate and affordable revenue and rating approach.

There are no changes to the distribution of rates for the 2021/2022 financial year. A number of structure changes are proposed for Council to investigate and consider during the 2022/2023 financial year.

The plan aligns with strategic documents including Council’s Budget and Long-Term Financial Plan.

It does not set revenue targets but sets out fair and equitable distribution of rates across property owners and identifies the principles to be used for revenue sources such as fees and charges.

Council is required to prepare a plan by 30 June 2021 under the Local Government Act 2020 - this is a new requirement for all Councils.

The draft plan is now on public exhibition for 28 days which is in line with Council’s adopted Community Engagement Policy.

View the Draft Revenue and Rating Plan and provide your feedback via the Participate Hepburn website at https://participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/. You can also read a printed copy at Council offices in Daylesford, Clunes, Creswick and Trentham, and the Daylesford Library.

Submissions may be sent to the Chief Executive Officer, Hepburn Shire Council, PO Box 21, Daylesford VIC 3460, or emailed to shire@hepburn.vic.gov.au. Submissions must be received by Council by 5.00pm on Thursday 20 May 2021.

Council will consider the final Revenue and Rating Plan at a Special Meeting of Council scheduled for Tuesday 29 June.