A focus on core services and budget responsibility headline Shellharbour City Council's 2024-25 Draft Combined Delivery Program 2022-2026 and Operational Plan 2024-2025 and Draft Rates Policy.
This year's Delivery Program and Operational Plan has been released proposing a fiscally responsible budget to balance cost pressures with providing the necessary local infrastructure and services that the local community needs and expects.
In 2024-2025, Council is proposing to deliver $58.9 million in capital works including:
- $12.9 million on buildings and aquatic facilities
- $2.2 million on business units (including Shell Cove, Airport, Holiday Park and The Links)
- $9 million on open spaces (including play, fitness equipment, parkland and sporting facilities)
- $2.7 million on plant equipment and other assets
- $28 million on transport (including roads and footpaths)
- $3.4 million on storm water management
- $700,000 on waste management
Shellharbour City Council Mayor Chris Homer said the Delivery Program and Operational Plan was a "no frills" budget which maintains a modest cash surplus.
"This Delivery Program and Operational Plan reflects a realistic picture of Shellharbour council operating effectively while acknowledging services and infrastructure projects must be scheduled within our means," he said.
"This budget is an opportunity for Council for to meet the communities needs without creating a burden on future generations."
Shellharbour City Council is inviting community members to view and comment on Council's Draft Combined Delivery Program 2022-2026 and Operational Plan 2024-2025 and Draft Rates Policy, which is on public exhibition until Thursday, 23 May 2024.
"Now is your chance to share your ideas and feedback on key services, projects, initiatives and actions Council has planned for 2024/2025," Mayor Homer said.
"We encourage as many people as possible to take some time to find out about Council's projects planned for the year ahead.
"We value your feedback, and all submissions will be considered as part of the Draft Operational Plan engagement process. Whether you make a submission by mail, email or online, we want to ensure that everyone has a chance to comment before the closing date."
"These plans are a subset of the Community Strategic Plan, Your Vision, Our Future 2032. This Plan, and the goals within it, were developed through extensive community consultation.
"We would like to hear your thoughts on the plans and encourage you to make a submission to let us know what you think.
A copy of the Council's Draft Combined Delivery Program 2022-2026 and Operational Plan 2024-2025 and Draft Rates Policy can be viewed at: Council website at www.shellharbour.nsw.gov.au or at the Civic Centre.
