The City of Mount Gambier invites all interested people to participate in public consultation to review the 2018/2019 Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget following formal endorsement from Council at its meeting on Tuesday 17 April 2018.
“The draft document reflects the work of Council in preparing the budget to support the strategies, initiatives, services and projects consistent with Council’s Community Plan – The Futures Paper (2016-2020), Long Term Financial Plan and Infrastructure and Asset Management Plans,” City of Mount Gambier General Manager Business Services Ms Pamela Lee said.
While the provision of services such as the library, parks and infrastructure maintenance, waste collection and disposal continue to be a significant component of Council's budget, other key influences include the implementation of the ReUse Market set to open in the new financial year, additional recycling costs due to the ban from China on exporting recycled material, a continued focus on economic development including tourism and delivery of arts, culture and heritage supported by the Riddoch Art Gallery.
“The draft budget demonstrates that Council's financial position is positive with a forecast operating surplus of over $300,000 and no new loan borrowings and provides for a materially balanced budget. Council’s Long Term Financial Plan predicts a 4.5% increase in rate revenue, with an anticipated rate increase of approximately 4% for 2018/2019,” Ms Lee said.
Community feedback assists Council to determine the services, programs and projects provided from year to year. The 2018/2019 Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget is available to download at Have Your Say Mount Gambier or in hard copy from the Council office at the Civic Centre, 10 Watson Terrace Mount Gambier.
“Council is committed to listening and responding to the ideas and concerns of the community, and endeavors to make it easier and more convenient for individuals to share their views on the draft document,” Ms Lee said.
The community is invited to provide feedback online at Have Your Say Mount Gambier or via email at city@mountgambier.sa.gov.au. Feedback forms are also available at the Civic Centre, 10 Watson Terrace or submissions can be made in writing addressed to 2018/2019 Draft Business Plan and Budget, City of Mount Gambier, PO Box 56 Mount Gambier SA 5290.
Community consultation closes on Friday 11 May 2018 at 5:00pm. Following this, Council will formally consider all feedback before adoption of the final 2018/2019 Annual Business Plan and Budget in late June 2018.
For further information please contact Media and Communications Coordinator Sharny McLean on (08) 8721 2401 or smclean@mountgambier.sa.gov.au
