Key strategic and operational documents that guide our Shire on its journey to be thriving, dynamic and vibrant are now on public exhibition following endorsement by Council at its April Ordinary meeting.
The documents on public exhibition are Council's DRAFT 2022-25 Delivery Program, DRAFT 2022-32 Long-Term Financial Plan, DRAFT 2022/23 Operational Plan 2022/23, DRAFT 2022/23 Budget and DRAFT Revenue Policy (including Proposed Fees and Charges) for 2022/23.
Council's Operational Plan 2022/23 details the first year of Council's new Delivery Program 2022-2025.
While the Delivery Program outlines what Council intends to achieve on behalf of the community over its term of office, the Operational Plan and Budget set out Council's focus for the period 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023.
Council's General Manager Jackie Kruger said the proposed 2022/23 capital works program is largely one of completion and includes works on important community projects.
"This includes the Roxy Community Theatre Redevelopment, Leeton Regional Aquatic Centre waterslide, CBD Enhancement Stage 3 - Chelmsford Place Town Square, expansion of our fully accessible public toilet facilities, Wamoon Sewer Scheme and Gogeldrie Weir Recreation Reserve," said Mrs Kruger.
"Other 'business as usual' capital works projects - such as our reseal, rehabilitation and heavy patching program for sealed roads - will continue," she added.
A number of projects to stimulate the Shire's economy will also continue in 2022/23, including the expansion of the Leeton Early Learning Centre to increase childcare capacity by 20 places and progressing of WRConnect freight intermodal to improve supply chain efficiency and effectiveness for local producers and manufacturers.
There are also plans to expand Vance Industrial Estate.
Mayor Tony Reneker said, "Council will continue to advocate for enhancements to local health service provision and for sensible water policy that ensures our local agricultural industries thrive."
"We will also maintain our efforts to ensure Leeton lives up to its reputation as a community that welcomes new settlers, migrants and refugees,' he said.
Rates income in the Budget is based on a rate peg amount of 1.8%, assuming the Independent Pricing Tribunal (IPART) approval of the Additional Special Variation of 1.1%. Without IPART approval the rate peg amount will reduce to 0.7%.
Adjustments have been made to Council's 2022/23 fees and charges, with an overall average increase of 4%.
The adjustments include new fees for gateway entry to the Leeton Landfill (for domestic waste) and a day entry fee for Gogeldrie Weir Recreation Reserve for use of the facilities, BBQ etc.
This coming year, Council will also be conducting an extensive engagement program to determine community preferences with regard to measures for ensuring Leeton Shire Council remains sustainable into the future.
Community members are invited to provide feedback on the draft documents during the exhibition period.
"As individuals and as organisations we all have a part to play in making Leeton Shire 'liveable,' said Mayor Cr Reneker and Mrs Kruger.
"Please take the time to read the draft documents and let Council know if you support the direction proposed for 2022/23."
View the DRAFT 2022-25 Delivery Program, DRAFT 2022-32 Long-Term Financial Plan, DRAFT 2022/23 Operational Plan 2022/23, DRAFT 2022/23 Budget and DRAFT Revenue Policy (including Proposed Fees and Charges) for 2022/23 on Council's website at www.leeton.nsw.gov.au or on Council's 'Have Your Say' online engagement portal at haveyoursay.leeton.nsw.gov.au.
Hard copies are available for viewing by the public at the Leeton Shire Council Administration Office, Leeton Library, Yanco Shop, and Murrami and Whitton Post Offices.
The community is encouraged to provide feedback to Council on the DRAFT documents in any of the following ways:
ELECTRONICALLY (Preferred): Complete the survey on Council's 'Have Your Say' online engagement portal at haveyoursay.leeton.nsw.gov.au. Please note you will need to login or register to Council's 'Have your Say' to participate in the survey.
