Dubbo Regional Council (DRC) met on Monday 27 June 2022, at 12noon, to consider the 2022/23 Budget, Delivery and Operational Plan and associated documents. DRC has prioritised road maintenance, renewal of Geurie Water Treatment Plant and Wellington shared pathway system in the upcoming financial year, while acknowledging some areas had to be trimmed.
Mayor of Dubbo Regional Council, Mathew Dickerson said Council have had to make some tough decisions aiming for financial security moving forward. "Council were faced with a difficult financial challenge, as a result of some demanding years. In response, Council has adopted a responsible budget which will aim to put the community back on track for financial recovery," said Mayor Dickerson.
As part of the long term financial plan, DRC was one of eighty-six NSW councils that applied to implement a rate increase. The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) of NSW last week approved the additional special rate variation of 2.3%. At the Extraordinary Meeting, Council resolved to apply the 2.3% special rate rise, the Mayor said it is not ideal, but it's practical. "The 2.3% rise will allow Council to collect an extra $640,000 which will be funnelled to the demands and maintenance of our road network."
Council unanimously thanked the community for their input into this year's budget. Council received 80 submissions during the 2022/2023 Budget, Delivery Program and Operational Plan community consultation period and the plan has been modified in response to community feedback in the following ways:
- A new strategy has been created to communicate development opportunities, guidance materials and development "toolkits" to the community.
- Collaborate and undertake road infrastructure planning for the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone, and advocate to ensure Dubbo is considered as part of the fast rail business case.
- Similar Economic Development strategies and actions have been consolidated, and a new strategy has been created to proactively attract and support major investment in the region.
- Changes implemented to the Aquatic Leisure Centre fees, sporting facilities – hire and ground preparation fees, companion animal fees and community arts centre hire fees.
- $295,000 from the compulsory acquisition of Wiradjuri Park by Transport for NSW will be used to repair the flood damaged pathway in Pioneer Oval, Wellington.
Council has endorsed a number of major capital projects that will be undertaken in the 2022/2023 financial year which include but are not limited to:
- $770,000 to renew Brisbane and Gipps Street Footpath
- $350,000 to replace the amenity block at Lions Park West, Dubbo with an accessible facility
- $50,000 for disability access improvements to Wellington Showground.
- $3.7m for Wheelers Lane Asset renewals between Myall Street and Birch Avenue, Dubbo.
- $422,000 budgeted for storm water pipe relining
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$600,000 for northern apron expansion at the Dubbo Regional Airport.
Council will publish the adopted the 2022/23 Budget, Delivery and Operational Plan and associated documents at https://www.dubbo.nsw.gov.au/About-Council/Our-Responsibilities/community-strategic-plan
