Annual Plan and Budget 2024-2025
Council approved the 2024-2025 Annual Plan and Budget with an average rate rise of 4.5% at a special meeting in June.
The total rates revenue required each year is determined through our Long Term Financial Plan taking into consideration what it costs us to deliver our services to the community, maintain our infrastructure whilst making provision for new assets. We understand the current cost of living is putting pressure on our rate payers, and have worked diligently to keep our rate increase as low as possible.
We continue to experience strong growth of our community which creates demand for new and upgraded infrastructure, facilities and services. This places strain on our resources and budget, but we continue to look for ways to meet this demand whilst also remaining financially sustainable. We continue to advocate for Government to invest in the south east region and assist us to cater to our community’s needs.
2024-2025 Rates Notices will show an increase in our Waste Management Services fee to reflect our new Green Waste kerbside service for residential areas (land use zones General Residential, Low Density, Rural Living Zone A and Village).
Our capital budget for 2024-2025 provides funding for essential services, maintenance of existing assets and new infrastructure growth. This budget commits $16.9 million for capital works projects (inclusive of carry forwards) and sees funding for the following:
$4.2 million for upgrade and renewal of roads
$2.1 million for upgrade and renewal of footpaths and cycleways
$3.9 million for upgrade and renewal of stormwater infrastructure
$0.7 million for improvements and upgrades to our parks and reserves
$5.5 million for building works and facilities
You can read our Capital Budget here and our Annual Plan here
Some of the works and projects we will be undertaking this financial year include:
- Continuation of Streetscape works in Sorell
- Bus stop upgrades at the Park and Ride in Sorell
- Upgrade of Stormwater outfalls in the Southern Beaches
- Construction of the South East Jobs Hub
- Public toilets at Madison Lyden Park
- Extension of the Sorell Memorial Hall to provide a green room, history display and storage areas.
- Upgrade at Dodges Ferry Skate Park
- Reconstruction of sections of Allambie, White Hill, Delmore Roads and Oak Street
- Development of a Natural Resource Management Strategy
- Review and update of Master Plans for the Community Cultural Precinct and South East Sporting Complex
- Review of Sorell Township Urban Master Plan
- Staged implementation of Social Strategy and Active Transport Strategy priority projects
- Youth Plan/Operating Model for potential Youth Services.