Council draft plans, budget on exhibition

Eurobodalla residents can give feedback on Eurobodalla Council’s draft 2021-22 budget and revised work plan until Tuesday 25 May.

The revised draft Delivery Program 2017-22 and Operational Plan 2021-22 outline Council’s work plan for its elected term. It also details operations for 2021-22, including the budget, capital program, revenue policy and fees and charges.

Eurobodalla Council estimates it will manage an income of about $123 million in 2021-22, excluding capital grants and contributions. About half of this income comes from ratepayers, with the remainder from user fees and charges, grants, contributions and investments. Proposed changes include: • The general rate increases by 2%, the rate peg amount for 2021-22. • The environmental levy rate increases by 2%. • The waste collection charge increases by 2% for the typical household. • The water access charge increases by 2.9% to $350 (20mm connection access charge) and the usage charge increases by 1.3% to $3.80 per kilolitre. • The sewer access charge increases by 2% to $1,010 (20mm connection access charge) and the usage charge increases by 2% to $2.00 per kilolitre.

Council expects to spend $125 million in 2021-22 delivering essential community infrastructure and services and continuing its bushfire recovery work.

Capital works on sports fields, marine facilities, parks and reserves total $5.9 million, while $8.7 million is allocated to the local transport network.

About $4.6 million of NSW Government funds will be spent on upgrades for Observation Point at Batehaven and Riverside Park in Moruya and progressing the Mogo Trail Adventure Hub.

The big-ticket project is the $69 million aquatic, arts and leisure centre at Batemans Bay, which is funded by the Commonwealth and NSW Governments to the sum of $51 million and $19 million from ratepayers. The project is expected to be complete early next year.

The Council will continue to advocate to the NSW Government for better resilience outcomes; including for funding to progress its $105 million Eurobodalla Southern Water Supply Storage and for a regional integrated emergency services centre.

Council will also continue its commitment to the environment, developing a new Emissions Reduction and Variable and Changing Climate Adaptation Strategy, and spending about $1.1 million on environmental management.

Eurobodalla Council’s revised draft Delivery Program 2017-22 and Operational Plan 2021-22 is available to view at www.esc.nsw.gov.au/publicexhibition until Tuesday 25 May.

Above: Residents can give feedback on Eurobodalla Council’s revised draft Delivery Program 2017-22 and Operational Plan 2021-22 until Tuesday 25 May.