2024/25 Annual Business Plan and Budget

The 2024/25 budget forecasts a capital works program worth $14 million (net) and operating expenditure of $40.5 million resulting in a $4 million deficit. 

The deficit is attributed to expenses for the progression of the Regional Community, Sport and Recreation Precinct (The Precinct) project and phase two rollout of Council’s corporate systems update that will help achieve efficiencies well into the future. It will be funded through borrowings in recognition of the intergenerational benefit the projects provide. 

To find efficiencies and cost savings, the budget was developed from a zero base. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) has only been applied where absolutely necessary, and only to relevant materials and supplies. Price increases have been absorbed as much as possible, as Council has done for the past three budgets, and staff will continue to seek additional savings over the year. 

While cost savings have been found in many project areas, an average rates payable increase of 6.0% is still required in order to maintain Council’s financial sustainability. The Council has kept the 2024/25 average rates payable increase as low as it can, without impacting our financial position or the requirement for more significant increases in the future. 

The Precinct is set to be Council’s flagship project in 2024/25 and has been a hot topic within the community over the past several months. The $2.5 million budget allocation provides a necessary provision for the project to move forward, should the Council resolve to do so.    

There are still several steps to go in this project as negotiations with a private consortium continue over the coming months. The Council is very aware of the magnitude of the decisions to come and is undertaking rigorous due diligence to ensure it achieves the best outcome possible for our community. 

View the 2024/25 Annual Business Plan.

Thank you for your feedback!

Community involvement is central to Council's budget preparations.

Each year Council consults with the community on a range of different issues and projects. The feedback obtained during these consultation initiatives is taken into consideration during Council's annual business planning process. In addition to this, the Council also asks community for feedback on the draft Annual Business Plan.

The consultation for the draft Annual Business Plan was undertaken between 16 May 2024 and 11 June 2024. Feedback was captured through a number of different methods including a formal survey (available online and in hard copy), written submissions, listening post conversations and in-person representations at a public meeting held on 6 June 2024.

The Council would like to thank everyone who took the time to find out more about what is being proposed and provide their feedback.