By Afraa Kori
Cardinia Shire Council received and noted its quarterly financial report for the nine months to 31 March 2025, with officers confirming that no revised budget is required despite a forecasted full-year deficit.
The adjusted underlying result shows a $9.1 million surplus so far this year, which is $16.1 million better than budget, mainly due to timing of grant payments and spending below budget. However, the full-year forecast predicts an $8.9 million deficit, $4.6 million worse than planned, influenced by changes in capital projects.
While the financial report highlights many ongoing council activities each quarter, Cr David Nickell noted that there were “no substantial surprises” in this quarter’s report.
“It’s good to see that it’s tracking as expected,” he said. “I did want to call out, while speaking to this item, the new presentation layer that’s been created to assist in interpretation of the numbers. That’s a great piece of work by the officers, and I commend it.”
According to the report, the construction of the Alma Treloar Amphitheatre was completed and the facility has been open since late 2024. During construction, design improvements were made to enhance accessibility. While most of these changes were previously approved by the Council, a minor remaining cost of $14,286 still requires approval.
Cr Trudi Paton explained, “as part of reviewing the progress made, it was found that some minor design tweaks could have a more positive impact regarding the accessibility of the facility.”
This minor contract variation is another item requiring the Council approval as part of the current motion, which was supported and unanimously voted for by all councillors.
Cr Collin Ross warned that surpluses may appear misleading due to the timing of income and project spending.
“Reading this report needs to be taken in context. Quite often, it appears there is a huge amount of surpluses in certain areas of our budget, but what people probably don’t realise is that many of these expenses are paid out over a whole year,” he said.
“Sometimes it would appear like we have a huge amount of money and we’re not spending it. I guarantee all the money is basically very tight.
He also encouraged residents to engage with the report, ask questions, and seek clarity from officers, reinforcing a message of transparency, accountability, and informed public involvement.
