Weather it is drawing up a budget at home to save for a holiday or to make a major investment or it is the budget of the local council or the government !

In worse case scenarios major objections and opposition is made by people who are left with big holes in the pocket.

With the rise in petrol prices and few other essential commodities it is important to strike a balance between income and expenses.

This week Whyalla City Council released the first draft of its budget which shows a deficit.

Since this is the first draft the councillors have been told to refer to their wish list before the draft is tidied up and released for public consultation.

Effective and constructive public consultation will ensure that projects that have been proposed are community oriented.

While there would be some who would write off a lot of proposals due to personal reasons and continue to criticise without offering alter native solutions, others may see light and appreciate what is good and put up a fight for what they think will leave them poorer.

The announcement of the Federal Budget is also getting some mixed reactions.

While some have described it as popular and a poor man’s budget, others may condemn the government of falling short of meeting all its promises.

When major budgets by a council or government is announced, political interests and personal grudges should take a back seat.

This is not only for the interest of the city and nation but also for personal reasons.

If not dealt with properly with a level headed approach budgets surely leave big holes in the pockets.

Those living below the average income level suffer the most but rich and poor both feel the pinch.

Whyalla’s community is sitting on the cross roads of studying and analysing the council budget and having a say in it.

Let us be objective.

Let us see what is good for the town and its development.

Let us not allow personal differences and grudges blind our judgement.

Let us move forward together and make budgets of our own so that the impact of the council or Federal budget is not felt much.