Leeton Shire Council resolved to adopt the 2021/22 Operational Plan, Budget and Revenue Policy (including the Schedule of Fees and Charges) at its June Ordinary Meeting.
Council's Operational Plan 2021/22 and Budget set out Council's focus for the period 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022.
Council's General Manager Jackie Kruger said the capital works program that will be undertaken during the coming year is again of an unprecedented scale for Council.
"The 2021/22 program includes works on important community projects such as the Roxy Theatre Redevelopment, Chelmsford Place Town Square, Leeton Golf Course Clubhouse Project Management, Wamoon Sewer Scheme, Gogeldrie Weir Recreation Reserve, Art Deco Way Touring Route, Dog Park at Yanco and expansion of our fully accessible public conveniences network," said Mrs Kruger.
"Other capital works and infrastructure projects - such as our comprehensive sealed road network reseal, rehabilitation and heavy patching programs - will continue to be progressed during the year as Council continues to deliver on its ongoing commitments."
Key projects to stimulate the Shire's economy are also in the pipeline for 2021/22.
These include progression of the WRConnect Freight Intermodal Project, extension of the Leeton Early Learning Centre, expansion of Vance Industrial Estate and promotion of housing development.
Council's Communications Coordinator Mrs Monica Armanini said that Council received thirteen submissions on the Draft Operational Plan, Budget and Revenue Policy documents during the recent public exhibition period.
Some key changes were made at the Council meeting to the Operational Plan, Budget and Revenue Policy in response to these submissions.
With water security and health and emergency services continuing to be a high priority for the community, Council will continue its advocacy efforts for Leeton Shire.
Another key addition to the Budget and Operational Plan included a feasibility study for the expansion of the Leeton Indoor Stadium including basketball courts.
Council will be upgrading its website and improving its customer request management system, with two new actions subsequently added to the Operational Plan to reflect this focus on customer service.
In response to feedback, Council has reduced the resealing budget and increased the rehabilitation roads budget to help improve the Kirkup Rd/Houghton Rd intersection. Council has also added shoulder widening on Wattle Rd and Kirkup Rd north.
Council's fees and charges for 2021/22 will remain at an average increase of 3%.
As a result of feedback from the community, there will be no increase to the casual pool entry fees at the Leeton Regional Aquatic Centre and Whitton Pool in 2021/22, with fees remaining as they were for the 2020/21 season.
The Whitton Pool season pass fees have decreased compared to the previous year as proposed in the draft fees and charges.
The family season pass for both pools continue to cover two adults and three children rather than two adults and two children as initially proposed.
The rates cap for this coming year is 2%. Rates and charges have been set by Council in accordance with Section 532 of the Local Government Act 1993 and are listed in Council's Revenue Policy.
Mayor Paul Maytom thanked residents and ratepayers saying their constructive feedback was much appreciated.
"I would like to thank all residents and ratepayers who provided formal submissions that have helped Council in its final decision-making process," said Mayor Maytom.
The 2021/22 Annual Operational Plan, Budget and Revenue Policy (including the Schedule of Fees and Charges) are available on Council's website at www.leeton.nsw.gov.au.
