THINGS could be about to get financially challenging for Cabonne Shire Council, and as a result, questions are being asked of the community on what could be done to address the situation.
The issue came to a head recently, with the municipality opening up an online survey looking at council services and spending.
“Based on council’s current financial position, together with ageing infrastructure, it has been determined that current service levels are unsustainable,” an email from Cabonne Shire said.
“Together with the community, council must make some difficult decisions and compromises to shape the future.
“Council is asking for your help to guide this process by sharing your opinion.”
Taking about 10 minutes to complete, the survey is being run by Micromex Research & Consulting on behalf of the Shire, and responses are “completely anonymous”.
The questionnaire in part asks respondents to make decisions on whether to increase, decrease, or maintain spending levels on a range of municipal services.
Areas covered include libraries, tourism marketing, sporting and swimming pool facility maintenance, childcare, roads, foot and bike paths, as well as seniors, youth and family services.
“Some of the questions involve real trade-offs because resources are limited,” the Cabonne Shire email said.
“Your feedback will help council understand what the community values most.”
The survey also asks about ways of raising revenue or limiting spending like selling municipal assets, increasing fees on things like waste collection or pool entry, and reducing grants and subsidies to community groups and events.
The survey is open until 31 August and is accessible via bit.ly/4wTzE5O.