General News
19 July, 2025
Yarriambiack adopted budget
Yarriambiack Shire councillors adopted its 2025/26 budget during their June council meeting which will see a rise in rates and waste, with a decrease in funding distribution in most areas.
The budget aims to raise $15,590,269 in revenue which is $556,834 more than last year.
Capital works, targeting footpaths, roads, kerb and channel and more, have been allocated $8,559,014 and is a $2 million decrease in funds from last year.
An allocation of $4,654,143 has been put towards roads and with the continued absence of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Funding, mayor Kylie Zanker stated in the budget foreword that it is a "significant blow" as the funds were "crucial" for local roadworks and infrastructure projects.
The Roads to Recovery program, recurrent from the Commonwealth Government, will see $2,109,999 dedicated to roads.
Cr Zanker mentioned in her foreword that waste and recycling costs continue to be a struggle.
A $104,927 change for general waste rates and charges which has resulted in $1,102,066.
Recycling rates and charges will increase to $868,955, a $81,128 change from last year.
"We will adopt a 10% increase for 2025/26, accepting a deficit of $315k as we undertake a full and extensive service review in late 2025, to achieve full cost recovery in the 2026/27 budget year," Cr Zanker wrote.
In her message, Cr Zanker said despite financial challenges, council remains "steadfast" in their support for the community providing allocations to support swimming pools, progress associations, recreation reserves, halls and weir pools.
"The tireless efforts of our volunteers are the backbone to providing an abundance of services and recreational activities to our communities, and their contribution cannot be overstated," she wrote.
"Our advocacy efforts for the coming year will focus on securing funding for Roads and Associated Infrastructure, Community Recycling, and Assets.
"We will continue to highlight the financial challenges faced by rural communities to both State and Federal Governments, emphasizing the vast distances and low population density that add to our waste and recycling collection costs.
"We will continue to push for funding for the developments at Anzac Park, Hopetoun Former School Site, Murtoa Recreation Reserve, and the construction of the new Beulah Supermarket."