Bega Valley Shire Councillors have today adopted a suite of planning documents that outline Council’s commitments over the next four years, with a focus on managing services within its 4.9% rate peg increase.
Mayor, Russell Fitzpatrick said that while the Long Term Financial Plan considers various scenarios, the decision was made to deliver services and projects aligned with the approved rate increase.
“We thank the community for their written submissions and feedback at our community meetings during the exhibition period, with several changes made to the documents,” Mayor Fitzpatrick said.
“Key themes identified from these discussions included housing availability and affordability, climate change and resilience, financial sustainability, asset management, the cost of living, childcare, reliance on grant funding, advocacy to state and federal governments and grant and project reporting.
“We plan to invest $331 million over the next four years in asset renewals, upgrades and new assets, with some of these only going ahead if we can secure the necessary grant funding.”
The breakdown of investment over the four years includes:
- Water Assets: $60.6 million for reservoir replacement, new water meters, solar installation, general upgrades and a new water treatment plant at Yellow Pinch;
- Sewer Assets: $98.3 million for water treatment plant upgrades, recycled water expansions and the Merimbula Ocean Outfall project;
- General Assets: $172.5 million covering roads, bridges, the airport, waste, parks, aquatics and recreation. Some the larger projects include Merimbula Boardwalk, Bega War Memorial Pool, Bega Sporting Complex, Cuttagee Bridge, Merimbula CBD, Merimbula Basketball and Netball Courts Pavilion, Merimbula Skatepark, George Brown Oval changeroom, Dignams Creek bridge, Central Waste Facility Cell 5 construction and organics processing facility.
Close to $53 million will be invested in the road and bridge network, with several projects dependent on grant funding, the Mayor said.
“Alongside our core services, we will focus on key priority areas including enhancing customer service, governance and record-keeping and a review of our development assessment services, all informed by community feedback.”
“The 4.9% rate increase property owners will see in their July rate notices is based on land valuations provided by the Valuer General earlier this year. Water, sewer and waste charges will also increase by 4.9%.”
Mayor Fitzpatrick said Council reviews and updates plans annually to adapt to changing circumstances and committed to provide the community with quarterly progress reports.
“We recognise the ongoing shortfall in funding to maintain more than $2 billion in assets and remain committed to communicating these challenges,” he said.
“Despite budget constraints, our aim is to continue to balance community needs with financial realities, recognising that some desired projects may not be feasible at this time.
“The recent Federal election commitments are valuable in facilitating key projects and we are working closely with Minister McBain to finalise funding agreements.
“Our ongoing commitment to community objectives ensures the community’s needs are always at the forefront of our decisions.”
The documents are available to view on Council’s website.
