Residents and ratepayers of Moree Plains Shire are being invited to have their say on Council’s budget and plans for the next year.
Council’s draft Operational Plan and Budget 2024-25 and Delivery Program Update 2024-26, and draft Long-Term Financial Plan 2024-34 are on public exhibition and are available for public comment until 5pm Wednesday 19 June 2024.
Council is budgeting a $1,889,108 surplus in 2024-25, with a breakdown of the surplus in the following funds, General Fund $658,615, Water Fund $559,234 Sewer Fund $671,259.
Moree Plains Shire Council Mayor Mark Johnson is very satisfied with Council’s proposed Budget and Plans, stating “With this budget surplus resulting from Council’s sound financial management, we are in a strong position to deliver priority projects in the coming years to cater for the planned exponential economic and social growth across the Moree Plains.”
Council’s budgetary process this year has been comprehensive, and I thank our staff and Councillors who have worked diligently to produce these documents. We have an ambitious capital and non- capital works program for the next financial year, and we look forward to delivering this for the community.
“The Draft Budget and Plans are crucial to our Shire’s future, and I encourage the community to review these documents and let us know if there are any priorities we need to change.”
Council reviews its Operational Plan and Budget and Delivery Program each year. The document is Council’s commitment to the community on how we will work towards the goals set in the Shire’s Community Strategic Plan – Our Moree Plains, Our Vision to 2032. It details what programs, projects and activities Council will undertake and how we will fund them.
The Long-Term Financial Plan 2024–34 is a decade-long plan, which is reviewed and updated annually. The Plan aids Council in making financially sustainable decisions and how the commitments made in the Operational Plan are resourced. Council is forecasting net operating surpluses over the next 10 years.
Some highlights of the Budget are $144million for capital and non-capital projects including $17 million to finish the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre refurbishment; $1.3million towards the Burnt and Derelict Housing Enforcement Program; $4.9million towards completing our parks and sports fields projects across the Shire; and $310K towards business and skills development and event programs.
“We also know a safe and reliable road network is critical for our community”, added Mayor Johnson
“That is why we have increased the Council funded annual allocation on the rural roads network by $1.57 million (a 21% increase), bringing the total up to $8.9 million, which is 18.66% of Council’s discretionary budget. Council is also allocating an additional $4.2 million out of Council’s Road Reserve for additional capital works and the Flood Repair Betterment program. Council funded rural road resheeting has increased by 58% (a 75% total increase over the last two years) over the same period bringing the total up to $1,330,000 ($2,170 million including grant funding).
In addition, Council is spending $55 million in funded flood recovery works and $1,200,000 ($600k from Council and $600k from landholders) for Council’s rural roads self help program, so we can better support and partner with landholders to improve local roads.”
Council’s rates and charges are also on public display, with sewer, water and waste charges proposed to be increased to subsidise improvements to these essential services. Furthermore, this year’s general rate increase set by IPART is 4.5%.
Public submissions on the Draft Budget and Plans close at 5pm, Wednesday 19 June 2024 and should be emailed to council@mpsc.nsw.gov.au or posted to General Manager, PO BOX 420, Moree, NSW 2400.
Draft documents, including summary budget snapshots, can be accessed at www.mpsc.nsw.gov.au/hot-topics/submissions-and-public-notices or viewed at the Moree Customer Service Centre.
Something going on in your part of the region you think people should know about? Send us a news tip or email newsdesk@netimes.com.au.