More than $151 million has been set aside for providing services for the community in the City of Greater Bendigo’s proposed 2014-15 Budget.

The operating budget is largely funded through rates, fees and user charges and Commonwealth grants.

Council CEO Craig Niemann said the services flowed from the strategic objectives outlined in the Council Plan.

“The operating budget funds the day-to-day services we provide, including rubbish and recycling collection, street cleaning, road and drainage maintenance, childcare, school crossing supervision, public lighting, grass slashing and tree maintenance,” Mr Niemann said.

“It also funds tourism, economic development and the Bendigo Art Gallery, which together help to generate significant economic activity in our region.

“The services we plan to deliver in 2014/2015 will play a vital part in improving the liveability of our city.”

Proposed initiatives include:

• Providing additional funding to assist with tree maintenance

• Creating a greater level of service for new and existing small businesses

• Running workshops to assist business innovation

• Introducing public place recycling at around 50 locations

• Designing and developing a food hub to make it easier for vulnerable communities to access fresh seasonal food

• Completing Stage 2 of the White Hills and East Bendigo Heritage Study

• Increasing footpath maintenance as a result of changes to the Road Management Plan

• Increasing the budget for tackling overgrowing vegetation along roads and drains

• Developing a Reconciliation Plan to help strengthen and build positive relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people and non-indigenous people

At a glance:

• $12.9M for road, drainage and footpath maintenance 

• $4.3M for childcare

• $8.5M for Home Care and Food Services 

• $2.4M for Maternal and Child Health Services 

• $2.4M for tree maintenance 

• $0.7M for sportsground maintenance

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