DRAFT Annual Operational Plan, Budget, and Fees and Charges - 2020-21

Leeton Shire Council, at its May 2020 Ordinary Council meeting, endorsed its DRAFT 2020-2021 Operational Plan, Budget and Revenue Policy (including Fees and Charges) which is now on public exhibition until Wednesday 10th June 2020.

This Operational Plan is the fourth annual plan to support Council to deliver the commitments of the Delivery Program 2017-21, which was developed in response to our Community Strategic Plan Leeton on the Go - Towards 2030.

Council's Annual Operational Plan and Budget sets out Council’s focus for 2020-21 which includes significant increases in capital projects following grant funding from the NSW State and Federal Governments in 2019-20.

Council’s total investment in capital projects for 2020-21 is $18.6M. It is important to note, if the COVID-19 pandemic persists, Council may be required to adjust some of its plans accordingly.

Important community projects will commence in 2020-21 including the Roxy Theatre Redevelopment Project. This project will be delivered with great care and in close consultation with the community. Other projects will include the completion of the Leeton Swimming Pool refurbishment, Leeton Showground grandstand and the CBD upgrade (Wade Avenue including intersection with Pine Avenue), the launch of the Leeton Museum and Gallery in the re-purposed WCIC building and stormwater installation in Whitton.

Council will also progress other capital works and infrastructure projects which are funded through a number of programs. The design of the Wamoon Sewerage Project has been amended and it is expected that additional funds will need to be sought for its completion.

Council will also undertake a feasibility study for a heated pool.

At the operational level, increased investment will continue to be made in information technology including automated water meter reading to improve efficiencies and offer customers better visibility of their water use.

During 2019-20, Council restructured to have a greater focus on financial sustainability and economic development activities such as the expansion of industrial lands at Vance Estate. Council will also be exploring the feasibility of expanding the Leeton Early Learning and progress the business case for the WRConnect multimodal at Wumbulgal to improve supply chain efficiency and effectiveness for local producers and manufacturers while improving road safety.

Council understands that many of our residents have been impacted by the drought and COVID-19 and, as a result, Council did not advance a special rate variation for 2020-21 but will revisit this for 2021-22. Rates will only increase by the 2.6% rate peg in 2020-21 and Council’s service levels will remain unchanged.

Only minor adjustments have been made to the 2020-21 fees and charges, with an average increase of 2.5%.

Submissions must be received by Council by 5pm on Wednesday 10 June 2020.

Any feedback received will be considered by Council at its June 2020 Ordinary Council meeting.

Thanks in advance for being an active and engaged citizen of Leeton Shire.