Why we're consulting

Each year we develop a budget that aligns with the objectives of our community vision and Council Plan while also considering the changing needs and priorities of the community.

The budget is an important document as it outlines how we will deliver services and programs to our community.

Understanding the community’s priorities through this consultation, will help us shape the development of the draft Budget 2024-2025.

The draft budget 2024-2025 will then be presented to the community for further feedback in May 2024.

Note

• Community Funding Requests: This replaces the Community Impact and Partnership grants program. Eligible community groups and non-profit organisations have the opportunity to submit a community funding request for specific projects and assume responsibility for executing these projects. Click the button below or click here.
• Wodonga 2050 vision: Do you have a big idea for Wodonga’s future or how we can make Wodonga a better place to live? Contribute to our Wodonga 2050 community vision consultation. Find out more via the button below or click here.

The budget funds important services and the construction and maintenance of infrastructure.

Each year we develop a budget that aligns with the objectives of our community vision and Council Plan while also considering the changing needs and priorities of the community.

The budget is an important document as it outlines how we will deliver services and programs to our community.

It covers services like:

• Managing waste;
• Upgrading our infrastructure, community facilities and parks;
• Operating our community venues like the library and sporting precincts; and,
• Providing events and services to people at all stages of life.

We fund these services through rates and charges, user fees and government grants.

Like all councils across Victoria, Wodonga Council is facing significant financial challenges due to rising cost pressures, the rate cap and evolving community needs. These challenges are exacerbated by the unexpected storm and flooding events which have been experienced over the past 18 months.

For that reason, it’s important to manage expectations when it comes to community spending.

We need to look at what we deliver and how we deliver it to ensure we can continue to deliver services, programs, and projects into the future.

The council used to have more money available to fund new projects. Unfortunately, with the difference between how much our income has grown and how much our costs have increased, it is becoming more challenging to keep delivering the services the community needs with the available funding.

This year, we have provided additional material to inform you when providing feedback for the budget.

It includes a Service Catalogue which details the services we deliver for the community in the budget. It includes profiles of all the services across the council with descriptions, activities and measures. Read more here.

The council has also undertaken a Financial Sustainability Review for independent assessment of the financial sustainability of the council. You can read more about that here.

2024-2025 rate rise

At its January 29, 2024, meeting, the Finance and Budget Delegated Committee adopted a 2.75 per cent rate rise as a budget assumption for the development of the 2024-2025 budget. This is the amount set by the Victorian Government under the Fair Go Rates system.

To calculate the ordinary rates to be paid for each property, the council uses the capital improved value multiplied by the rate in the dollar.

Valuations are conducted annually by the Valuer-General Victoria’s contracted property valuers.

Your rating valuation is displayed on your council rates notices, just below the property details.

Regardless of how much your property valuation changes on your rates notice, the total amount of rates the council receives is limited by the rate cap set by the Victorian Government.

That means, while an increase in property value might alter your rate notice, growing property values do not increase the total amount of rates the council receives.

If you are having difficulty paying your rates, we can provide flexible, suitable payment plans or provide financial hardship assistance. Rate concessions are available for eligible pensioners. Find out more here.

Ways to have your say

This consultation is open from Monday, February 5 to Monday, March 4, 2024.

Anyone who lives, works, studies or invests in Wodonga or visits the municipality and uses the facilities, is invited to review the information provided, ask questions and provide feedback during this time.

Ways to provide feedback

• Add your budget suggestions to the board below.
• Complete the survey below and tell us your priorities.
• Chat to us at one of our five pop-up session in various locations. See the Have your say pop-ups panel for dates and times.
• Email: makewodongayours@wodonga.vic.gov.au
• Phone: (02) 6022 9300