Draft Annual Business Plan & Rating Review available for public consultation
After several years of significant capital growth, asset renewals and ongoing operations are the main focus for Council’s Draft Annual Business Plan & Budget 2024/2025. The Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget including the Draft Long Term Financial Plan 2025-2034 Financial Summary will guide the works to be undertaken over the next 12 months.
Mayor Diana Mislov said, the Draft Plan details total expenditure of $33 million, including $949,000 for new and upgraded assets, $3.4 million on renewal assets and $29 million for operations, as well as $602,000 for new operational initiatives.
Projects proposed under the Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget 2024/2025 include:
- Annual road reseal program
- Implementation of footpath safety improvements identified in the Local Area Traffic Management Report
- Completion of works for the safety upgrade and control panel replacement on the Marina Footbridge
- Development of Lincoln Cove East Reserve
- Replacing the air conditioner and sauna at the Port Lincoln Leisure Centre
- WHS and other improvements to Council’s Depot
The community are invited to provide comments on the proposed plan of works, after the Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget was endorsed for community consultation at the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 20 May 2024.
At the May meeting, Elected Members also endorsed a ‘Review of the Basis of Rating Consultation Paper’. Reform of the Local Government Act 1999 has instigated change to the way Council Rates are calculated. From 1 July 2024 all councils within South Australia must use Capital, the Improved Value, of properties as the basis of rates. The Community is invited to make comment on these changes prior to the adoption of the Annual Business Plan and Budget 2024/2025, late next month.
Council has proposed a 6.3% increase in general rate revenue, equating to 2% above the March Adelaide CPI of 4.3%. This proposed revenue increase includes the changes of basis of rating. The results of this are likely to vary significantly from property to property.
Mayor Diana Mislov said, the change in rating, coupled with the proposed 6.3% rate revenue increase may cause some ratepayers to question the impact on them. “I encourage anyone with concerns to look at Council’s website, or contact the office, and staff will be able to assist you to understand how the changes may affect your rates.”
Two information sessions will be held on Tuesday 11 June, at 2pm & 6pm at the Nautilus Arts Centre during which members of the public will be able to ask questions of Councillor and staff regarding both the Annual Business Plan and the Rating Review.
Submissions for both the Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget and the Review of Basis of Rating Consultation Paper are invited through the online Engagement Hub at yoursay.portlincoln.sa.gov.au or in writing to Council.
An hour will be set aside at the commencement of the June Ordinary Council Meeting held at 6.30pm on 17 June 2024 where members of the public will be given an opportunity to make a verbal submission on both the Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget and the Rating Review.
Consultation on the Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget 2024/2025 commenced on Tuesday 21 May 2024 and closes at 5pm Wednesday 12 June 2024.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
City of Port Lincoln Chief Executive Officer Eric Brown
Ph: 8621 2325 | Email: plcc@plcc.sa.gov.au