Council last night endorsed its 2021/22 Draft Annual Plan and Budget featuring an additional $1.6 million investment into important services such as verge and tree maintenance.
The Draft Budget proposes an average increase of 2.8 per cent, which follows a zero per cent increase in 2020/21 aimed at reducing the widespread impact of COVID-19 on the community.
Mayor Gillian Aldridge OAM said that in producing the budget Council had carefully considered feedback from the community regarding the need to enhance important services while ensuring the proposed rate increase remained affordable.
"We understand that the effects of COVID-19 meant that last year was particularly difficult for many of us, which is why in 2020/21 Council worked to implement a number of measures aimed at best supporting our community, including the zero per cent rate increase, rate deferral options and support for businesses and community organisations.
"In 2021/22, Council is committed to once again putting the community's needs first with our greatest priority remaining the continued delivery of services which meet the needs of all parts of our community.
"In considering the 2021/22 Annual Plan and Budget, Council has strived to achieve the best possible balance between providing the services that matter to you, while ensuring we are in a strong long term financial position to provide for coming generations."
The majority of the proposed average 2.8 per cent rate increase (1.6 per cent) will be used to directly fund the increased services delivery program.
Council's $100 million COVID-19 Infrastructure Recovery Program endorsed last year will continue across 2021/22, with local Northern region businesses contracted where possible in the delivery of this Program.
Community members are encouraged to have their say of the 2021/22 Draft Annual Plan and Budget, with consultation planned to begin on May 5 - click here to have your say.
