Working towards the Annual Business Plan and Budget 2024/2025

Council is currently working on the draft Annual Business Plan and Budget 2024/2025—an important document that details the planned projects and sets the rates for the financial year.

Discussion amongst Council Members so far has focused on balancing the cost of living pressures faced by the community, and costs associated with population growth. With a growing community, the expectation of services and amenities from Council is changing and achieving a balance becomes difficult with limited grant funding available.

Council is taking this process seriously and considering informal feedback received from the community. Several meetings and workshops have been held as Council is looking at the different options available, and their consequences. There is currently no draft budget endorsed by Council for public consultation as Council is not yet satisfied with the impact of potential rate increases.

At the Special Council Meeting held on 6 May 2024, Council requested a further report from Council administration which details the effect of an average rate increase of 5.50% plus growth of 3.04%. In addition, they requested a further option which would achieve a breakeven budget and no borrowings. It is expected that this report will be provided to the Audit and Risk Committee Meeting on 13 May 2024, and the Ordinary Council Meeting on 27 May 2024. Council also amended the Capital Works Program 2024/2025 which saw a $1.1m reduction in the capital budget.

It was fantastic to see many members of the community attend the special meeting, observe discussions and see how decisions are made.

When the draft Annual Business Plan and Budget 2024/2025 is released, Council strongly encourages the community to provide formal feedback to assist Council Members in making an informed decision.

Get notified when the draft Annual Business Plan and Budget 2024/2025 is available by registering your email on Council’s website.

Mark Wasley

Mayor

10 May 2024