At its June meeting, Council adopted its 2024-25 budget, and then sought community feedback on a draft revised budget.

Thanks to everyone who provided feedback on the draft revised budget. Submissions have now closed.

Council will consider this feedback when they consider the revised budget at the meeting on Tuesday 27 August.

The draft revised budget 2024-25 includes new borrowings of up to $6M, to help cover the increased costs on the Surf Coast Aquatic and Health Centre.

The final costings for the Surf Coast Aquatic and Health Centre are being confirmed, and due to unprecedented price increases, Council needs additional funding to make the project happen.

While the overall project cost is subject to the outcome of the current tender process and any subsequent pre-contract negotiations, which are commercial in-confidence, Council proposes to manage the gap between the market price and the current budget through:

• Value management, to occur prior to any awarding of contract. This involves reducing the market cost through simple design changes with minimal effect on the facility’s program offering, lifecycle costs or sustainable design credentials.

• Council will consider borrowings of up to $6M. The exact amount of borrowings required will be determined by the amount of savings that can be achieved through the value management process and potential revenue derived from alternative funding sources.