Have your say on financial blueprint for City of Mount Gambier

The City of Mount Gambier Draft 2023/2024 Annual Business Plan and Budget was endorsed for consultation at a Special Council meeting held last week and is now open for community feedback, along with the Draft Long Term Financial Plan 2024-2033 and Draft Interim Asset Management Summary 2024-2033.

The documents outline the programs of work and allocation of budget supporting the activities that council will undertake in the next financial year and beyond. City of Mount Gambier CEO Sarah Philpott said the City of Mount Gambier remained dedicated to offering a wide range of services that benefit our residents every day.

“We are proud to provide these services and committed to ensuring ongoing sustainability so that services and facilities are provided to a high standard,” she said.

The draft operating expenditure budget of $45.1 million will deliver a number of key services, including waste management and disposal, development assessment and planning services, library services, community development, and events.

The budget also outlines the key infrastructure services Council will deliver, including the maintenance of roads, footpaths, lighting, stormwater drainage, street trees, sporting facilities and open spaces.

In addition, council has allocated $5.8 million for the renewal of assets, including buildings and structures, infrastructure, plant and equipment. $3.1 million has been allocated to upgrade or purchase new assets.

Key budget highlights include:

Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre, Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Phase 4 program, Sport, Recreation and Open Space Strategy, Crater Lakes activation, Waste Management Strategy, Reconciliation Action Plan, and Organisational improvements.

Council’s estimated operating deficit in 2023/2024 is $2.8 million, driven by cost pressures in various areas, including electricity, fuel, and manufacturing inputs. Similar challenges are being faced by all councils across South Australia.

“In 2020/2021, to assist ratepayers during COVID, Council applied a zero rate revenue increase, and in 2022/2023 rate revenue increases were below CPI,” City of Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin said.

”As a consequence of this and relatively high inflation continuing beyond the 2023 financial year, Council has made the difficult decision to increase rates by more than is set out in the current Long Term Financial Plan.

“Therefore, Council has taken a smoothing approach to rate revenue increases for the next three years as we recognise the financial pressures residents and businesses are experiencing.

“We are committed to providing a high level of service to our community whilst remaining financially sustainable by managing expenditure within the ten years of the Long Term Financial Plan to minimise the impact on ratepayers.”

“Current indications demonstrate that the average rates notice in Mount Gambier will remain below the average in both South Australia and neighbouring council areas.”

The 2023/2024 Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget, Draft Long Term Financial Plan 2024-2033 and Draft Interim Asset Management Summary 2024-2033 are available to download at www.haveyoursaymountgambier.com.au or visit the Council office or Mount Gambier Library to obtain a hard copy.

The community is invited to provide feedback about the documents:

• Online at the ‘Have Your Say’ website www.haveyoursaymountgambier.com.au
• By email at [email protected]
• In writing addressed to: City of Mount Gambier, PO Box 56, Mount Gambier SA 5290.

The community consultation period closes on Thursday, June 15. Council will formally consider all feedback on the Draft 2023/2024 Annual Business and Budget at a special council meeting to be held on Tuesday, June 20, before adopting the final 2023/2024 Annual Business Plan and Budget and related strategic management plans.