Council Releases 2018/19 Budget for Review

Published on 21 May 2018

COUNCIL RELEASES 2018/19 BUDGET FOR PUBLIC DISPLAY

At its meeting on 15 May 2018, Council considered and approved a draft Budget and Operational Plan for the coming twelve months.  The draft Budget was prepared after extensive workshops with Council and management staff and reflects an overall forecast deficit of $225,063.

The operational expenditure budget will see $30,151,855 spent on services for the community and $580,181 used to pay down debt. The total forecast expenditure budget is $38,617,799 which includes an extensive Capital Works Program for 2017/18 totalling $12,889,033.  Projects include: 

• Council Depot Upgrade – $2,000,000
• Water & Sewerage Utilities – $1,023,500
• Plant Replacement Program – net $834,800
• Cooee Lodge Hostel Refurbishment – $1,000,000

• New SES Premises - $450,000
• Stormwater / Kerb & Gutter Renewals – $100,000
• Centenary of WW1 Armistice – $40,000
• Stronger Country Communities Projects including:
  • McGrane Oval Masterplan - $995,000
  • Community Hall Renewals - $240,000
  • Hunter Park Facilities - $200,000
  • Tooraweenah Playground - $20,000
  • Armatree History Board - $20,000
  • Recreation and Community Art - $340,000 
• Inland Rail Ready Projects - $2,450,000
• Local Road Maintenance Renewal and Upgrades - $4,981,000
• RMS Road Contract Works –  $1,785,000

RATES & CHARGES

 General Rates

The total General Rates that will be levied by Council in 2018/19 will be $4,824,183 prior to concessions, which is an increase of 2.3%.

All rating categories being farmland, residential and business have had the increase applied evenly however, ratepayers’ individual accounts will vary according to any changes in land valuations.

Water & Sewer Charges

Council water charges for the Gilgandra township have been increased by 5% while the charges for the Tooraweenah village have also increased by 5%.

Council sewer charges for the Gilgandra township have increased by 7%. The increases in the township water and sewerage charges in a reflection of costs to replace aging infrastructure.

Waste Management Charges

Council domestic waste, commercial waste and other waste charges for the Gilgandra township have increased by 3%.  The rural waste charge has had no increase applied. The increases are required for the continued operations and future projects at the Gilgandra Waste Facility.

Stormwater Charge

The stormwater charge for the Gilgandra township has not increased and remains at $25 per rating assessment.

 SUMMARY

 Mayor Doug Batten says:

 “Council’s budget this year continues to provide a wide range of services to the Community with a focus on value for money. Council is also very conscientious of the need to maintain and renew essential public infrastructure to ensure it continues to meet the needs of the local community.”

 Adding,

“Highlights of this year’s budget include a significant increase in Capital Works Expenditure as a result of opportunities offered by the NSW State Government under its Stronger Country Communities and Regional Growth Fund. Projects applied for under this funding include a major upgrade to McGrane Oval, significant renewal works at the community halls across the Shire and a further upgrade of Hunter Park facilities. Council will also be pursuing funding for a number of projects associated with the Inland Rail construction phase in an effort to ensure the local community achieves maximum benefit from this project.”

“In addition, Council’s budget includes the planned upgrade of its Works Depot and an ongoing commitment to both lifting and maintaining the standard of our local road network. Another exciting project planned for the year is the refurbishment of the Cooee Lodge Aged Care Hostel to the value of $1,000,000. Council also continues to address its renewal of its ageing water and sewerage network assets.”

Mayor Batten further acknowledges the work that has been put into these plans.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank both Councillors and staff for their efforts in putting this budget together by way of workshops over a number of months in the lead up to the preparation of the budget document.

I should point out that while Council is budgeting for a small deficit this year, over the next ten (10) years of our Long Term Financial Plan Council is projecting an overall surplus of $5,000,000.”

Council invites community members to submit any feedback regarding these Budget and Operational Plans, by visiting Council’s website www.gilgandra.nsw.gov.au/Have-your-say or contact Council on 6817 8800.