TOUTED as a budget that sets the stage for a transformative era for Hamilton and the Shire, and a $3 million surplus to boast, Southern Grampians Shire Council (SGSC) held an unscheduled meeting on Wednesday morning to adopt the 2024-2025 annual budget and Council’s 2024-2034 long-term financial plan.

SGSC people and performance director, Darren Barber, delivered a budget report and said over the last three years Council had undertaken a diligent comprehensive programme of reduction of costs and improving operational efficiencies.