Following public exhibition, five key strategic and operational documents were adopted by Leeton Shire Council at its June Ordinary Council Meeting.
Council resolved to adopt the 2023/24 Operational Plan, Budget and Revenue Policy (including the Schedule for Fees and Charges) as well as the Delivery Program 2022-2025 and Long–Term Financial Plan 2023/24.
Together, these documents provide a guide to Council's operations and help Council meet community demands for services and infrastructure by maximising what it can achieve with its available resources.
Mayor Cr Tony Reneker said Council's focus in 2023/24 will be on completing projects from previous years.
"It remains Council's position not to embark on any new non-essential major capital works in its General Services. Projects to complete from previous years include The Roxy, Leeton Pool Waterslide, and Chelmsford Place Town Square," said Mr Reneker.
Council's IP & R Coordinator Mrs Sarah Collis said that Council received twenty-one submissions on the documents during the recent public exhibition period.
2023/24 has seen changes to several fees and charges with some being removed. While most have increased marginally, some have increased by 10% due to a "catch up" on inflation in 2022/23 coupled with indexation for 2023/24. Overall, there is an increase of 2% in fees and charges.
Mayor Cr Tony Reneker thanked all residents who gave feedback during the public exhibition of the documents.
"The endorsed Delivery Program and Operational Plan is our commitment to achieving Council's vision for a sustainable and successful future for Leeton Shire," he said.
Mayor Cr Reneker said that Council's financial sustainability challenges remain and will require another round of discussion with the community in the latter half of 2023. Operating deficits have been reported in the 2021 and 2022 Annual Financial Statements and, without active intervention, are forecast to continue into the future.
"To safeguard the future wellbeing of our community and set a course for long-term financial sustainability, decisive steps are required," he said.
The 2023/24 Operational Plan, Budget and Revenue Policy (including the Schedule of Fees and Charges), Delivery Program 2022–2025 and Long–Term Financial Plan 2023/24 can be found on Council's website www.leeton.nsw.gov.au
