Key strategic and operational documents that guide the 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 2023/24 DRAFT Operational Plan, Budget, Long-Term Financial Plan and Revenue Policy (including Fees & Charges).
The DRAFT Operational Plan 2023/24 provides a thorough overview of the vast range of services Council delivers. Structured across 50 functional areas that report through to the Senior Management Team who then report to Council, the organisation is set to deliver over 184 actions that collectively help achieve a strong community, healthy environment, and thriving economy.
General Manager Jackie Kruger said Council's focus in 2023/24 will be on completing projects from previous years.
"With an eye on keeping expenditure in check, 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, Chelmsford Place (including Water Tower Projection Art), and Vance Estate Stage 3," said Mrs Kruger.
"Together, these projects are supported by around $10M in government grant funding which, in turn, contributes to local economic activity," she added.
Other carry-forward projects include public toilets in Gossamer Park and Wamoon, the walkway in Maiden Ave, and final commissioning of the Wamoon Sewerage System. The sealed and unsealed roads program is being supported by an unexpected grant of $800K which will assist with our renewal backlog and marginally help the General Fund's bottom line (for 2023/24 only).
Waste management services will see a new landfill cell developed and, in anticipation of a new FOGO (organics) collection scheme starting in July 2024, detailed planning and education preparation is being scheduled to occur during 2023/24.
As Local Water Utility, Council plans to refurbish the sediment tank and launders in Leeton and upgrade / automate plant in Whitton and Murrami. For Sewer Services, the tertiary ponds at the Leeton Treatment Plant will be cleaned and banks repaired, the electrical system overhauled and the pump station near the Leeton Masonic Lodge upgraded.
Mayor Cr Tony Reneker said, "While Council is forecast to have consolidated cash reserves of $43M by the end of 2023/24, achieving financial sustainability of Council's General Fund remains a significant challenge and must be addressed as part of responsible governance. IPART has issued a rate peg of 3.7%, which, once
again, doesn't nearly match inflation."
"Council plans to have further conversations with the community in the latter half of 2023 about achieving financial sustainability exploring all options. Of course, management will continue to seek efficiencies through service reviews, where possible, being mindful that the organisation must be sufficiently resourced to deliver Council's adopted plans and statutory responsibilities," he added.
The biggest changes to Fees & Charges in 2023-24 has been the rationalisation of services provided either due to legislative requirements, limited use or simply no longer being provided.
Finally, also on the cards for early 2023/24 is a rates review to check relative fairness across the three rating categories (farmland, residential and business).
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' and financially sustainable in the long-term," 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 2023/24."
View the DRAFT 2023/24 Operational Plan, Budget, Long-Term Financial Plan and Revenue Policy (including Fees & Charges) 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 & 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.
