The Council Plan and Budget sets out five Strategic Directions that guide our priorities and actions as we work towards achieving our Community Vision. We undertake a review and minor refresh of the Council Plan each year along with the development of the draft annual budget to reflect any key changes in Council priorities, or other changes that have occurred in the broader environment.
We engage with our community on the Council Plan refresh and annual Budget every year to ensure that our community has their say on the plans and vision for our City for the year ahead. This is key to facilitating and encouraging discussion with our community about what is important to you, and to ensure your feedback is reflected.
This year, in addition to the normal Council Plan refresh and annual budget process, Council requested that a detailed financial review be undertaken to identify options for ongoing cost reductions. The purpose of the review is to explore the possibility of a rates increase below the rates cap. or down to a zero per cent increase for the 2023/24 Budget.
Key dates for the Council Plan and Budget process for 2023/24:
- 15 February: At the meeting of Council on the 15 February, Council will consider whether there are any cost reduction options identified through the financial review to be considered for inclusion in the 2023/24 budget. Options under consideration will be open for community consultation as part of the preparation of the budget for 2023/24.
- 19 April: At the meeting of Council on the 19 April, Council will consider the release of the Council Plan refresh and draft Budget for community consultation. Over the period of approximately a month, there will be an opportunity for community members and groups to make submissions, respond to a questionnaire or provide general feedback.
- 21 June: At the meeting of Council on the 21 June, Council will consider the Council Plan refresh and draft Budget for adoption, having considered the submissions and other feedback received through the community consultation process.
We'll be updating the community on our communications channels throughout the engagement process. We encourage everyone to get involved and help shape our City by providing your thoughts and feedback at each stage of consultation.
