Following extensive community consultation, Hornsby Shire Council last night adopted its 2022-2026 Delivery Program and 2022/23 Operational Plan incorporating the Budget, Rating Structure and Fees and Charges for 2022/23. These documents outline the key initiatives and levels of service to be provided to the community in a prudent and financially viable manner.
In recent years, Council has navigated changing circumstances to continue to deliver for the community. Like many organisations, it has been impacted by a range of financial difficulties arising from revenue loss, inflation, high building material costs and resourcing issues. As the compounding effects of these continue, Council's focus is on protecting its long term financial position.
"Through prudent financial management, the Budget for 2022/23 estimates a surplus of $2.908 million. This is essential for us to ensure we can respond to current and future challenges including asset management, construction and supply chain issues, natural disasters and cost shifting from other tiers of government," Hornsby Shire Mayor Philip Ruddock said.
"Despite this careful management, our 10-year financial projections identify annual deficits in the near future will become the norm. This will impact our ability to provide the services our community is used to, respond to emerging identified community priorities and maintain our assets in the long term.
"For 2023, we look forward to progressing key programs including our major projects at Hornsby and Westleigh Parks, the Beecroft Town Centre, Asquith and Mount Colah domain improvements and works to improve local road and pavements.
"However, the reality is that our initiatives are largely funded from long held reserves and grants. Without these, our capacity to deliver community priorities is severely constrained. Hornsby Shire Council has a deserved reputation for responsible financial management and taking a realistic and measured approach to its operations.
"Council's draft Long Term Financial Plan has recently been exhibited and identifies a number of measures to improve our financial position. I am proud that we are taking action now to ensure our finances remain strong so we can deliver for our community."
The 2022-2026 Delivery Program and 2022/23 Operational Plan was on public exhibition from 14 April to 16 May 2022. 66 submissions were received from the community.
The full agenda of the meeting, along with details of each item discussed, can be found at hornsby.nsw.gov.au. The video recording of the meeting will be available from tomorrow afternoon.
