MORE than 2400 people have “shared their ideas and priorities” with Mornington Peninsula Shire Council about how the shire’s money should be spent in the coming financial year.
In December shire invited people to share their “ideas and priorities” online. The “budget portal” on the shire’s website will close next Wednesday (15 March).
All contributions and feedback will be presented to councillors for their consideration.
The shire has listed 14 themes where money can be spent: New footpaths; drainage and stormwater upgrades; coastal infrastructure and access; improving planning services and permits; community crisis and homelessness support; economic development, tourism and small business support; improved waste services (circular economy); climate action and caring for our natural environment; protecting our agricultural Green Wedge Zones; community facility upgrades; road safety and maintenance; new recreational facilities; arts and culture programs and projects; and aged, family and youth services
“Additionally, we’ve introduced a new tool where you’ll see every $1000 budget allocated to current services,” the shire’s unattributed news release stated.
“It’s called the service prioritisation tool; you use it by scaling up and down on the 21 high level services and you’ll be able to balance the budget to align with your needs.
“The tool helps you understand how the shire’s operating budget is allocated and allows you to prioritise where spending should go.”
The news release goes on to state that “planning a yearly budget can be hungry work, so we’ve come up with a great solution. Help us with our budget 2023-24 planning and we’ll feed you”.
The shire is also offering an incentive for budget spending comment.
“By contributing your thoughts to the budget, you have the chance to win [one of 10] $100 food/beverage/dining voucher from one of our local Best Bites award winners.
Weekly winners can choose to receive. Vouchers for Two to Tango Cafe, Commonfolk Coffee Company, Blue Mini, Unica Cucina E Caffe, Foxeys Hangout, The Kitchen, Spudalicious, The Hive Loukamedes, La Casa Nostra Deli, Be Fit Food, The Hidden Kitchen, Paradigm Hill or Via Battisti.
To comment on the budget go to: mornpen.vic.gov.au/budgetportal
For help, email budget@mornpen.vic.gov.au or call 5950 1000. Hard copy forms are also available at the shire’s customer service centres.
First published in the Mornington News – 7 March 2023