21 June 2012

Circular Head Mayor Daryl Quilliam said Council has adopted the Annual Plan and Budget Estimates for the 2012 and 2013 financial year.

“Residents will appreciate that we have kept rates to a minimum at 2.5% and while Council will incur a small deficit this year, it is important to remember that we need to operate in a financially sustainable manner,” Mayor Quilliam said.

“Each year the Council is faced with the challenge of sifting through the many new projects and programs presented for consideration as part of the budget process and I believe we have found a good balance between continuing to deliver services, while keeping costs to a minimum.”

Circular Head General Manager Greg Winton said Council’s resource sharing arrangement with Waratah-Wynyard continued to create a number of efficiencies.

“The resource sharing arrangement enables us to better position ourselves for the future, providing many efficiencies in scale and scope,” Mr Winton said.

“We will continue to work with a number of partners to become stronger and better.

“The Council will continue to adapt to changing circumstances. Indeed, as a community our future depends a lot on our attitude to greet the challenges presented with energetic and enthusiastic responses.”

Some of the highlights from this year’s Annual Plan and Budget Estimates include:

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Capital Works & Special Projects

$795,000 for the rehabilitation of Woolnorth Road
$415,000 to replace the Duck River Bridge on Kubanks Rd
$262,000 to upgrade the footpath and parking on Bugg St
- $242,000 to upgrade John St
- $98,000 to repair damaged access at Godfrey’s Beach, Stanley
- $85,000 for design and construction of Cockburn Rd
- $3,500 for an East Esplanade master plan
- $3,500 to investigate self contained RV sites and signage
- $40,000 (including $110,000 in MAST funding) to upgrade the Smithton Boat Ramp
- $160,000 in contributions to reference groups, including the Circular Head Tourism Association, Circular Head Progress Group, and the North West Rural Strategy Group.

Fees and Charges:

All fees and charges have increased on average by 4.0% as per Council’s financial management strategy.

Rates:

Council has determined to increase the General Rate by 2.5%. A 4% discount will apply to those who choose to pay their rates by 31 August, 2012. Alternatively payments can be made in three instalments due on August 31, 2012, November 30, 2012 and February 28, 2013.

Operating Expenses:

Council has earmarked an operating budget of $12.6 million for approval.

Council will continue to provide its core operations such as maintenance of roads and parks and gardens as well as stormwater, waste and services such as building, planning and environmental health. Council also supplies funding for the SES unit, festivals including Australia Day and the Christmas Parade, events such as Youth Week and Senior’s week, programs such as Community Road Safety Partnership, and funding for the municipalities structured and passive recreation facilities under Council’s Balance brand.

In terms of cash, Council are mindful of preparing a balanced budget, but have opted for a small deficit of $250,000 this financial year. This combined with a 2.5% rate rise will alleviate some of the pressures that members of the community are currently feeling.