Gunnedah Shire Council has released its 2022-23 Annual Report detailing a year of growth and investment in the Shire's future.
The Annual Report shares with the community Council's achievements over the year in relation to the Community Strategic Plan. It measures Council's performance in line with the Community Strategic Plan's four themes of: engaging and supporting our community; building our Shire's economy; retaining our quality of life; and protecting and enjoying our beautiful surrounds.
Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the Annual Report showed 2022-23 had been a strong year for Council and the community, with an investment of close to $34 million in capital works.
"It has been an exciting time for our Shire, with work proceeding on our state-of-the-art saleyards, the Gunnedah Koala Sanctuary, the centralised water treatment plant, and the airport tarmac," Cr Chaffey said.
"We have also had challenges. The floods took a heavy toll in Gunnedah and while we have come some way towards dealing with the millions of dollars worth of damage to roads, bridges and other infrastructure, there is still work to be done.
"Council is doing its utmost to balance this need with managing the cost impact on our ratepayers. We have worked with, and will continue to work with, all levels of government to get the assistance that is needed for our road network.
"This Annual Report also shows the breadth of Council's work in the community, from our support of older people through GoCo Community Care, to grants to the community and businesses, scholarships for young people, and a huge range of services.
"The pool, the sporting fields, the Cultural Precinct, the Library and many other Council facilities and services are all part of what makes living in Gunnedah Shire great.
"We are looking forward to an even bigger year ahead, with a budget of close to $66 million, including $28.8 million of capital works."
Fast facts for 2022-23:
- Gunnedah Shire has a population of about 13,144 people
• It covers 4,992 square kilometres
• The Shire is represented by nine Councillors
• About $34 million was invested in capital works in 2022-23
• There are 200 full-time equivalent employees in Gunnedah Shire
Council covering roles from waste management to animal control, and from economic development to library services and town planning
• Council awarded $43,851 in community grants and $34,556 in Business Partner Program grants
• Sixteen students shared a total of $21,850 in Gunnedah Community Scholarship funding
• There were 12,799 visitors to the Visitor Information Centre
• 190 development applications were approved
• 36,850 tonnes of waste were delivered to waste facilities by customers
• 57,762 people visited the Library, and 17,240 books were borrowed
• Council held 11 Ordinary Council meetings, seven Planning, Environment and Development Committee meetings and four Audit Committee meetings.
Caption: Gunnedah Shire Council's Annual Report is a reflection of the depth and breadth of Council's role in the community.
