STRATHBOGIE Shire Council is calling for community members to share their thoughts, feedback and advice on its 2021/22 draft budget.

It’s a significant document for the community, because it sets council’s fees and charges for the next year, along with the capital works program, the money that will be spent on community services and the resources needed to deliver these services.

Strathbogie Shire mayor Chris Raeburn said the draft budget has been developed in collaboration with the community.

“We have been out-and-about seeking information on our community’s priorities and values and we have worked hard to reflect these in our draft budget,” Cr Raeburn said.

“We’re now seeking feedback on this, and if we hear there needs to be changes, we will listen.

“We are committed to working with our community, listening to their needs and taking action to address their concerns.”

The 2021/22 draft budget provides for an operating expenditure of $29.7 million.

This includes $7.545 million to roads, drains, bridges, and footpaths, $153,000 to sustainability services, $1.211 million to parks and reserves and $914,000 to planning.

Operating expenditure is also used to fund important services such as libraries, maternal and child health, swimming pools and arts and culture.

This year’s draft budget provides $17.05 million in new capital works that includes $3.804 million in roads, $1.4 million for bridges and culverts, $891,000 for pedestrian bridges, $986,000 for recreation, leisure and community facilities and $331,00...