Edward River Council has endorsed its Annual Report to the community for the period2021-2022 at its Ordinary Meeting on Tuesday, 15 November.
The report provides a comprehensive account of Council's achievements for the year, including an overview of its financial position and performance against the commitments detailed in the Delivery Program 2018-2021.
"This year, Council's statements show a strong financial position with assets exceeding liabilities and an increase in cash reserves with our net operating result after capital grant revenue being $870,300," said Council's CEO, Phil Stone.
"This is a turnaround from our results in the previous year and a marked improvement on our budgeted results," he added.
Despite the economic conditions brought on by COVID-19, the report also shows an improvement in both the total number of projects undertaken and their timely delivery. Council's $24M capital works program delivered a range of new community assets as well as a program of renewal, maintenance and revitalisation for the region.
"The report is an important record of achievement as we continue to invest in our community's future and growth pathways," said Mayor Cr Peta Betts.
Projects include extensive work on the sealing of Maude Road and the Town Hall restoration project. Edward River Village continues to feature strongly as a key project, with Stage 1 due for completion in August 2023.
"While there was continued post-pandemic volatility, and border closures significantly impacted our businesses, health and our way of life, Council remained focused on facilitating community connectedness during and in the wake of the pandemic," added Mr Stone.
Mayor Cr Peta Betts is particularly proud of the community's determination and fortitude. "It's not been an easy year for any of us in Edward River. The Lights on the Lagoon event in Waring Gardens brought together the community in a unique way and highlighted the important role of social togetherness in times of crisis, as well as developing broader community participation in what we call the Edward River Experience," she said.
"For those of us who live here, we know the things we treasure and want to maintain. Council will continue to plan so we can responsibly share these aspects of our community as we work to grow our population, which is essential to ensuring a sustainable future in which we can sustain the positive outcomes that the Annual Report demonstrates."
The Annual Report is available to the public via Council's website here.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF ACHIEVEMENTS:
Council invests $300,000 in Growth for Edward River
In response to the outcomes of the community engagement initiative 'Our Region Your Say', Council committed significant funding to prepare a Growth Management Strategy for the Edward River region. The Strategy will provide a clear blueprint for growth and will underpin and support the community's aspirations for growth and new investment in housing, industry, recreation and arts and culture by providing a coordinated, strategic, and planned approach to encourage and manage growth in the local government area to 2050.
Edward River Village green light
In October 2021 Council formally adopted the name 'Edward River Village' for its senior living precinct project, and in January 2022, resolved to commence construction on Stage 1 of the village for 6 dwellings, which will be completed August 2023.
Significant capital works and upgrades
$24M of capital works were undertaken by Council in the 2021-2022 year as part of its ongoing program of upgrades and improvement for roads, bridges, footpaths, water supply network, sewerage supply network and community recreational facilities. A full list of these works is available from Page 84 of the Annual Report.
$16,250 for Local Heritage Projects
- The following projects received Heritage funding in 2021-2022
- Restoration of the facade of the historic Conargo hotel - $10,000
- Replacement of roof and 3 windows 46 Napier Street - $3,000
- Painting of exterior 252 Harfleur Street - $1,750
- Replacement of front fence with heritage style 337 Henry Street - $1,500
Other highlights:
Lights on the Lagoon Festival - Waring Gardens
Over 2500 community members attended across the two-night event to light up the Waring Gardens.
New off-leash area for Edward River pooches
The new $80,000 off-leash area in Deniliquin located at Edward River Oval boasts a waste bag dispenser, seating, and water fountains in both the large and small dog areas.
5895 trees subsidised through Rural Tree Scheme
In 2021, Council's annual subsidised Rural Tree Scheme saw more than 5,800 indigenous tree tube seedlings purchased and planted on properties in the Edward River region.
Resource recovery through kerbside recycling
Committed to resource recovery and waste management, Council has gone to tender with other Local Government areas to seek provisions for kerbside recycling to minimise waste to landfill.
