The Grant District Council has set its budget for 2024/25 with a general rate increase of 4.8%.


Elected Members endorsed the Annual Business Plan and Budget for 2024/25 which detailed specific projects which will be undertaken over the next 12 months to maintain effective services for the district.


Council will operate with a surplus of $332,000 and operating expenditure of $19.7m.


The general rate increase of 4.8% is below the state average and in alignment with council’s Long Term Financial Plan and Asset Management Plans.


Grant Mayor Kylie Boston said she was confident the plan will deliver positive outcomes for the community consistent with council’s strategic documents.


“Council remains committed in this the new financial year to bring our community priority services.


We are continuing to achieve long-term goals in our current Strategic Management Plan 2020 to 2030 while also beginning to plan towards our future shared vison for the next 10 years,” she said.


“The budget will invest in the community by carrying out major projects including funding towards mobile phone Telstra towers, Local Heritage Survey and a Food Organics Garden Organics (FOGO) trial.


“Council has also committed to deliver major capital works this financial year which includes $3.643m towards a Transport and Infrastructure Program, $367,500 for upgrades to community and council owned buildings, and $162,192 for Community Waste Management Systems.


An additional $218,437 will be allocated to funding sponsorship and donations towards community groups, sporting clubs and events.


“Throughout the year, council will continue to be proactive in seeking grant funding to assist with funding and advocacies for new projects to benefit the community.”