The City of Mount Gambier Draft 2022/2023 Annual Business Plan and Budget was endorsed for consultation at this week’s Council meeting and is now open for community feedback, along with the Draft Long Term Financial Plan and Draft Asset Management Plans 2023-2032.
The documents outline the programs of work and allocation of budget supporting the activities that Council will undertake in the next financial year and beyond.
The draft operating expenditure budget of $39.6 million will deliver a number of key services including waste management and disposal, community events, planning and development services, community development and the Library and Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre. The budget also outlines the key infrastructure services Council will deliver including the maintenance of roads, footpaths, lighting, storm water drainage, street trees, sporting facilities and open space.
In addition, Council has allocated $7.4 million for the renewal of assets including buildings and structures, infrastructure, plant and equipment and Caroline Landfill. $14.1 million has been allocated to upgrade or purchase new assets including completion of the Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre, Rail Trail solar lighting and the Valley Lakes Recreational Area toilets.
The Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget proposes to deliver both essential services for the community and looks to build foundations for the future with the development and delivery of the Crater Lakes Masterplan and further development of the Sport, Recreation and Open Space Strategy.- City of Mount Gambier CEO Sarah Philpott
“It is exciting that we can continue to undertake new projects, improve existing amenities and forward plan for the future while also completing the biggest infrastructure project Council has ever undertaken with the Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre.”
Council’s estimated operating deficit in 2022/2023 is ($2.7) million.
“The key driver for a significant part of this deficit is the timing of a number of grants that have been received in the current financial year instead of next,” Ms Philpott said.
“Operating in a deficit environmental means that even greater focus will need to be placed on strong financial controls and ensuring that public value is maximised.”
Total budgeted rates revenue is proposed to increase by 4.5% including rates and Waste Service Charge, aligned with the previously adopted and current draft Long Term Financial Plans.
Key budget highlights and influences include:
The 2022/2023 Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget, Draft Long Term Financial Plan 2023-2032 and Draft Asset Management Plans 2023-2032 are available to download at www.haveyoursaymountgambier.com.au or visit the Council office or Mount Gambier Library to obtain a hard copy.
The community is invited to provide feedback about the documents:
“We encourage the community to review the documents and look forward to hearing your feedback as we work together on making Mount Gambier an even more incredible place to live and visit,” Ms Philpott said.
The community consultation period closes on Thursday 9 June 2022. Council will formally consider all feedback on the Draft 2022/2023 Annual Business and Budget at a special Council meeting to be held on Tuesday 14 June 2022 before adopting the final 2022/2023 Annual Business Plan and Budget and related strategic management plans.
Media contact: City of Mount Gambier Communications Officer Ashlea Watson on (08) 8721 2577 or awatson@mountgambier.sa.gov.au
