Under the ratepegging regime applied to Local Governments in New South Wales Government, Councils need Ministerial approval to increase their rates above the statewide level. Coffs Harbour City Council’s application for a 9.56 per cent rate variation has recently been approved by the NSW Local Government Minister, Kerry Hickey.
“This outcome will take Coffs Harbour into a new era,” said Coffs Harbour Mayor, Councillor Keith Rhoades.
“For a long time, the city’s potential has been kept in check by financial constraints. But the Minister’s decision means that the capital projects the community has been requesting for many years can now finally begin.
“Finding the funds to provide vital services as well as new infrastructure is a problem facing Local Government today. I believe the positive response by the community to the proposed Community Facilities Program shows that they understand the reality of the situation. I also believe their support was a key factor in Minister Hickey’s decision.”
In its Draft Management Plan, Council gave careful consideration to all sources of funding. Funding of $19.6m for nine of the 20 capital projects contained in this year’s budget was identified from existing and new loans, rent from Council owned property, the sale of Council landholdings, General Fund revenue and contributions. However, Council also sought the support of the community for a 5.96 per cent rate variation, in addition to the 3.6 per cent ‘rate pegging’ allowance, to allow the remaining 11 projects contained in the $21.5m Community Facilities Program to begin.
The 9.56 per cent rate variation represents an increase of $100.67 a year or $1.94 a week for the average residential ratepayer.
“The Minister’s approval of the rate variation is a huge leap forward for Coffs Harbour,” said Council’s General Manager, Stephen Sawtell. “It will be instrumental in helping the City develop into a sustainable regional centre.
“Council faces many challenges in its endeavours to deliver the outcomes the community demands – that’s why such close scrutiny was given to all sources of funding in the preparation of the budget. It should be remembered that the Community Facilities Program is just one component of a wide ranging schedule of capital works being implemented by Council.
“In the same time scale, we are also able to provide $19.6m of other capital projects as well as continuing to fund our major ongoing programs such as the Coffs Harbour Sewerage Strategy, the Coffs Coast Waste Management Strategy and the Environmental Levy.”
For further information contact Stephen Sawtell on (02) 6648 4000.
