9 July 2008

At a Special Council meeting held on 8 July 2008, the Circular Head Council adopted the 2008/2009 Annual Plan and Budget Estimates, announcing an average increase of 3.90% for Council rates and charges.

 

 

 

 

 At a Special Council meeting held on 8 July 2008, the Circular Head Council adopted the 2008/2009 Annual Plan and Budget Estimates, announcing an average increase of 3.90% for Council rates and charges.

General Manager, Greg Winton said "Community needs, expectations and priorities have certainly come to the fore in the latest budget deliberations.  Financial sustainability in the light of greater economic pressures on Council-related costs has been offset by strong financial management of its resources.  Certainly the moderate increase is reflected in the strong fiscal position despite the significant expenditure being planned this year."

Mayor, Daryl Quilliam speaking at the meeting said "Council officers should be congratulated on presenting a Budget which directs community funds appropriately.  Road infrastructure, economic development and an increased emphasis on implementing recommendations from recreation/leisure plans are all major activities being addressed by this Budget".

The Council conducted a review of rates during the 2007/08 financial year.  The outcome was that the rating system will remain unchanged, but a sewer rate remission will be offered in the 2008/09 financial year (separate media release).

Rates for Waste and Sewage Disposal, and Water Reticulation have all increased by 3.90%.  The State Government Fire Levy has increased by approximately 7.87%.

Council has reviewed its costing mechanisms and further aligned its charges with the Government Prices Oversight Commission's recommended guidelines.  This has resulted in revised cost allocations and the subsequent increase in water reticulation rates for the 2008/09 year.  Revaluations of infrastructure assets in line with condition assessments will occur during this financial year resulting in a more accurate economic assessment.

Financial Assistance Grants and Roads 2 Recovery funding significantly impacts on the Council's ability to maintain a strong budget position.  Continuation of these funds in conjunction with recognition of the unique problems facing small, rural councils is of paramount importance.  In the 2008/09 budget, Council had for $908,000 in grants for Roads to Recovery.  The two projects covered under this grant include Mella Road, and Montagu Road (Old Port Road to Jackson Rd). 

Significant expenditure items include:-

 

  • $401,000 to upgrade Smith Street
  • $500,000 to reconstruct Mella Rd
  • $500,000 to upgrade the Togari Road network
  • $100,000 to commence implementation of walking tracks in Smithton
  • $100,000 to undertake improvements at West Esplanade
  • $450,000 to upgrade the Montagu Road network
  • $159,000 to upgrade the Stanley Town Hall (including Public toilets)
  • $750,000 to commence stage 2 of the Community Recreation Centre
  • $245,000 for various park and recreation improvements
  • $1,100,000 construction/reconstruction works, including sealing, kerb and channel, drainage and footpaths to various rural and urban roads
  • $100,000 for Regional Planning Scheme review
  • $500,000 to upgrade 2 bridges
  • $560,000 for economic development activities
  • $145,000 to upgrade stormwater services.

Rate notices will be distributed by the end of July.

 

Authorised for general media distribution by Greg Winton, General Manager, Circular Head Council on Tuesday, 8 July 2008.

Office:     33 Goldie Street, Smithton, TAS 7330

Postal Address:    PO Box 348 Smithton, TAS 7330

Telephone:    (03) 6452 4800

Facsimile:   (03) 6452 4861

E-mail   council@circularhead.tas.gov.au