Budget belt tight

By EMMA SUN
YARRA Ranges Council has tightened its belt significantly in its 2012-13 draft budget.
The shire will spend $27.2 million on capital works across the Yarra Ranges, which includes renewals, upgrades, expansions and maintenance.
It is part of a $148.4 million operating expenditure.
The amount is almost half of last year’s $47 million, which the council said was a result of tough economic times.
Mayor Graham Warren said the council worked hard to find budget savings for the coming year while still delivering important and essential services.
“We are aware the cost of living is increasing and many families are finding it tough,” he said.
“So we have put in place a program of working smarter and more efficiently, which has delivered immediate savings of up to $800,000 a year.
“We have also put in place steps to explore further opportunities to reduce costs without impacting service delivery.”
The draft budget is available for community comment online or from Community Links until Thursday 7 June.
The final budget will be presented for councillors’ approval on 26 June.
For more information, call 1300 368 333.