Comment by Yarra Ranges Mayor, Jason Callanan
LOCAL Government plays a vital role in our community.
During my term as mayor, I’ve been keen to help the community understand a little more about the role we play and the work we’ve been doing to improve efficiencies and deliver value for money for our ratepayers.
The introduction of rate capping this year will see changes to the way Local Government delivers services to the community.
Yarra Ranges Council is determined to see how we can adapt to this change, despite the significant drop in income that will be incurred as we commit to the State Government’s rate cap of 2.5 per cent.
However, our focus remains on improving the experience for our customers when dealing with council.
We value that as one of the most important things for our ratepayers, along with using rates efficiently.
Ensuring the community’s voice is heard and listened to is another area I’m passionate about.
Council officers are doing some great work consulting with our community on a number of projects, particularly in the area of recreation.
The draft Skate and BMX strategy is currently under review, and we are looking forward to moving ahead with recommendations to improve skate parks and BMX facilities, and better integrate them into community spaces.
We will also be consulting with you around the review of our ‘Hike and Bike’ plan, which will help us explore improvements we can make to our trail networks and encourage residents to live a healthier and more active lifestyle.
Planning for an active and healthy Yarra Ranges is part of Council’s Recreation and Open Space Strategy, and is essential to ensure our residents have access to quality and diverse sport and recreation facilities, parks and community spaces.
I’m looking forward to the upcoming review of our Aquatics Strategy, which will provide us with an opportunity to revisit our ageing pool infrastructure.
Council is focused on maintaining existing facilities to ensure they meet our community’s needs.
It is essential councillors hear from the community about how we should focus our resources.
Being part of council’s decision making is as easy as commenting on our consultation forums or participating in an engagement activity.
I encourage everyone to stay tuned to the ‘Have Your Say’ section of our website to look at opportunities to give your feedback on a range of projects.
