Coffs Harbour City Council has adopted its first Draft Delivery Program and Draft Operational Plan, a new approach to budget delivery which replaces the Management Plan format that most councils have followed in the past. The plan is currently on exhibition for public comment and will take effect from
1 July 2010.
General Manager Stephen Sawtell said it represents a significant change to the way councils are expected to do business in New South Wales.
“The intention is make to councils more responsive to the aspirations of their local communities, more accountable and more focused on strategic planning, to ensure they are able to assist their communities move forward towards a sustainable future,” he said. “Coffs Harbour is in the forefront of this program of change. In fact, we are one of the first councils to implement the new system.
“The development during 2008 and 2009 of our Coffs Harbour 2030 Community Strategic Plan has been central to our fast progress in adapting to the necessary changes.
“We are similarly well advanced in the development of long term financial planning and asset management strategies, which will help us map the way ahead.
“We are confident that our new planning and reporting framework will make a difference in the way we can deliver outcomes for our community.
“The less positive news, however, is that the new structures again confirm the financial reality that all New South Wales councils have been facing for many years – we simply do not have the resources to meet the increased expectations of our community and the demands of other levels of government.”
Accordingly, Council proposes to ask the New South Wales Government to approve a
4.4 per cent rate rise in addition to the approved 2.6 per cent ‘rate pegging’ allowance in 2010/2011. This increase will enable Council to fast track $6 million in crucial flood mitigation works that have been identified by the community as a top priority in the wake of the 2009 storm events.
Even if the 2010/2011 rate rise is approved, Council will remain drastically underfunded in the face of the immediate and longer term demand for further works and services in Coffs Harbour.
However, a number of significant projects have been identified as being financially possible in the coming year, including local road, bridge and public toilet improvements; upgrades to sewage station equipment and infrastructure; an Environmental Levy Program; and an airport apron extension.
The Draft 2010/2014 Delivery Program and Draft 2010/2011 Operational Plan can be viewed on Council’s website at www.coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au
