Have your say on Council’s budget and activities Myall Coast Myall Coast - popup ad by News Of The Area - Modern Media - May 16, 2024May 16, 2024 COUNCIL is accepting community feedback on its Draft Delivery Program 2022-2026 and Operational Plan for the 2024-25 financial year until 7 June. “The Delivery Program describes Council’s activities over a four-year period, while the Operational Plan 2024-2025 details our proposed activities for next financial year,” said Mayor Claire Pontin. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au “Because we service a large area with a comparatively small population, we face the challenge of making a small budget go a long way,” explained Mayor Pontin. “This year, Council commissioned an independent review of Council’s financial sustainability and has developed a Financial Sustainability Action Plan. “The Plan has five key actions that will help us do better at maintaining our $5 billion asset base and help us remain economically sustainable over the long-term,” said Mayor Pontin. The 3,600km road network will remain a priority for Council in 2024-25, with $68 million to be allocated for transport infrastructure assets such as roads, bridges, drainage, and footpaths. This includes a final $11.5 million of works under the $100 million Road Program that Council is undertaking in partnership with the State Government. The program includes the Thunderbolts Way Corridor Strategy, the Bucketts Way upgrade, and construction of a new bridge over Cedar Party Creek into Wingham. Council has also allocated $17 million for road maintenance for local roads in 2024-25. Council’s general rate income will increase by 5.2 percent under the rate peg which is set by the NSW Government’s Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART). Council is also bringing its Schedule of Fees and Charges more into line with the cost of delivering the services. Water access charges will increase by seven percent. Water usage will increase by 8.5 percent on the first step and 8.7 percent on the second step. The sewer access charge will increase by two percent. The domestic waste management charge will increase by approximately 5.3 percent. You can view the Delivery Program 2022-2026 and Operational Plan 2024-25 which includes the annual budget and fees and charges at https://www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/DPOP-2024. The closing date for submissions is Friday 7 June 2024.
