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                    Budget 2023–24

                    A photograph of the Yarra River at night surrounded bars and restaurants.
                    Council's Budget 2023–24 and Annual Plan 2023–24 have been adopted by Council on 27 June 2023.

                    ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The $851 million Budget commits to delivering essential services for our community today and investing for future growth. ​

                    We’re committing $60.9 million to make sure our city is cleaner, safer, fairer and more welcoming than ever. 

                    This year’s budget delivers more initiatives than ever: 

                    Key Budget 2023–24 facts

                    • Total Budget $851​​ million
                    • $254.4 million infrastructure investment, creating up to 1,000 new jobs
                    • $60.9 million to make our city cleaner, safer and fairer​​
                    • $51.5 million investment for a greener, more sustainable city 
                    • $28.2 million for events, activations and festivals
                    • ​$12.1 million to help boost and make it easier to do business

                    We thank all those who contributed feedback on the Budget 2023–24 and Annual Plan. 

                    Feedback was presented to a special Future Melbourne Committee on 27 June. Watch the recording and read the resolutions​

                    Frequently Asked Questions

                    What is the Budget?

                    In accordance with section 127 of the Local Government Act 1989, a council must prepare a budget for each financial year. 

                    Council must ensure the budget contains financial statements and other information including capital works, human resources and grants. The budget must contain the amount which the council intends to raise by general rates, municipal charges, service rates and service charges and whether general rates will be raised by the application of a uniform rate, differential rate or limited differential rate. 

                    The budget must include a description of services, major initiatives and initiatives to be funded for the financial year and how they will contribute to achieving the strategic objectives as specified in the Council Plan. 

                    For the services to be funded in the budget, the budget must also include the prescribed indicators of service performance that must be reported against in the performance statement and the prescribed measures relating to those indicators. 

                    The budget is a statutory requirement and council must adopt and submit a copy of the budget to the Minister by 30 June each year.

                    Who can make a submission on the Budget?

                    ​Any member of the public can make a written submission to the Council on the Budget. 

                    All submissions received by the Council on or before 11.59pm 8 June 2023 will be considered in accordance with section 223 of the Local Government Act 1989, by the Council’s Future Melbourne Committee.

                    When will the 2023-24 Budget and 2023-24 Annual Plan be adopted?

                    We thank all those who contributed feedback on the Budget 2023–24 and Annual Plan. 

                    Feedback was presented to a special Future Melbourne Committee on 27 June. Watch the recording and read the resolutions.

                    What is the Council Plan?

                    The 2021–2025 Council Plan, prepared in accordance with section 125 of the Local Government Act 1989, is the Council’s key strategic document. 

                    It describes: 

                    • The strategic objectives of the Council 
                    • the outcomes the Council intends to achieve 
                    • how it will achieve these outcomes during its four-year term 
                    • the resources required 
                    • how it will measure success.

                    How are rates calculated and who sets them?

                    ​Rates change every year as property values change. Property valuations are market-driven and determined by the Victorian Government.

                    The City of Melbourne is legally required to issue rates and collect rates revenue.

                    Will my rates increase in 2023-24?

                    ​Rates are necessary to keep our city running. Our teams work around the clock to deliver essential services – from waste and recycling to road works and street cleaning, public health and safety, and keeping our parks and gardens in great shape for everyone to enjoy.

                    During the pandemic we paused rate rises to support residents and businesses, at a cost to Council of $17 million.

                    In 2023–24, we will implement the State Government’s 3.5 per cent rate cap.

                    What are my options if I’m unable to pay?

                    ​Council has a strong commitment to supporting all members of our community. Ratepayers experiencing financial hardship can apply for assistance via our website. 

                    City of Melbourne owner-occupied residential property owners can apply for assistance via our website or call the Customer Contact Centre 03 9658 9658.

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