10-year plan to guide borough’s viability

MULTIPLE policy reviews and a 10-year financial plan, as required by the Local Government Act 2020, have been adopted by the Borough of Queenscliffe.

A draft of the council’s Financial Plan 2021–2031 went out for community feedback and 13 submissions were received, with three related specifically to the financial plan but not requiring any changes.

The financial plan provides a strategic overview of how the council will be viable and financially sustainable over the 10-year period, while working with the projected rates cap.

The plan considers expenses at the new Queenscliffe Hub, various initiatives to improve council operations efficiencies, and income from tourist parks, with indications it can continue to meet legislative requirements and maintain services and facilities for the community.

Council received 13 submissions, however most of the submissions related to the draft Council Plan, with three related to the financial plan and not requiring changes to the draft.

The financial plan, along with four revised policies and a change to the Governance Rules in accordance with the new act, were adopted at the borough’s recent council meeting.

Revised policies included fraud prevention, procurement, asset disposal, and sale, exchange or transfer of council land are now in place.

A reference to mayoral elections was added to the governance rules, which now include “if an absolute majority of the councillors cannot be obtained at the meeting, the council may resolve to conduct a new election at a later specified time and date”.

Policies, governance rules and the 10-year financial plan can all be viewed on the borough website.