Mount Gambier City Counci’s draft 2022/23 $39.6m Annual Business Plan and Budget was endorsed for consultation recently and is now open for community feedback.
It has been released along with draft Long Term Financial Plan and Draft Asset Management Plans 2023-2032.
Council chief executive Sarah Philpott said the documents outlined 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 $39.6m 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,” she said.
“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 $7.4m for the renewal of assets including buildings and structures, infrastructure, plant and equipment and Caroline Landfill. $14.1m 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.”
Ms Philpott said the draft Annual Business Plan and Budget proposed 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”.
Council’s estimated operating deficit in 2022/2023 is $2.7m.
“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 Long Term Financial Plans.
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 haveyoursaymountgambier.com.au or visit the council office or Mount Gambier Library to obtain a hard copy.
Feedback can be provided at haveyoursaymountgambier.com.au, by emailing email to city@mountgambier.sa.gov.au, or by writing to City of Mount Gambier, PO Box 56, Mount Gambier SA 5290.
Community consultation closes on Thursday, June 9 and council will consider feedback at a special council meeting on June 14 before adopting the final business plan and budget and related strategic management plans.
