Rate rise conversation tops the agenda at February Council meeting
Published on 19 February 2025
In the first Council meeting of the year, Councillors considered a report from staff regarding the IPART approved rate rise of 15%; the quarterly Corporate Performance Report, revised grants policy, regional collaboration for waste processing, and a Notice of Motion concerning the Community Justice Centre. In addition, they also passed a condolence motion for former Councillor Brian Sowter, acknowledging his significant contribution to our community.
Consideration of future rate rise
The agenda item which generated almost three hours of discussion and debate related to the decision on whether Council intends to implement the 15% IPART approved special rate variation for 2025/26. Although Councillors won’t make a final decision on a rate increase until the June 2025 Council meeting, a decision around intention was required to enable staff to draft the next budget, including forecast income and expenditure and how to manage any shortfall.
After much debate, the majority of Councillors voted to split the 15% increase over two years, and to plan for a 7.5% increase in 2025/26 and a potential further increase (11.5%) in the following year. The conversation on this matter was wide ranging and reflected an understanding that Council cannot afford to provide the current level of services with the current level of income. Councillors also noted they do not want to cut services to our community and that Councillors and staff need to continue to work to identify more savings, efficiency and potential revenue streams to address the forecast budget deficits.
Updated Grants Policy Adopted
In considering an updated Grants Policy, Councillors acknowledged grants as a critical revenue stream, but also that there are challenges managing grant funding and new assets. The updated Policy was approved and viewed positively, as a mechanism to ensure only grants supporting the provisions of services, programs, and improve infrastructure and assets as identified in the Community Strategic Plan, Delivery Program and Operational Plans will be applied for and that there is transparency around decision on when to apply for grants.
Regional collaboration for waste processing
Council endorsed the signing a Memorandum of Understanding on the joint processing of green and yellow bin waste streams with Bellingen Shire, Nambucca Valley, and Port Macquarie-Hastings Councils. This regional collaboration in organics and recycling waste management aims to benefit all parties by increasing the scale of operations, attracting greater opportunities for investment, access to assistance from the EPA, as well as providing opportunities in circular economy activities.
Order of Business considered in open session:
10.1. Integrated Planning and Reporting Assumption
10.2. Corporate Performance Report - Quarter 2 2024-25
10.4. Modification - Proposed Dwelling - 492 Fishermans Reach Road, Fishermans Reach
10.5. Regional Collaboration for Waste Processing Contracts MoU
10.6. Section 3.22 Mapping Amendment
10.7. Development Activity and LEP Variations - Quarterly Snapshot
10.8. Disclosure of Interest Returns
10.9. Statement of Cash and Investments - December 2024 and January 2025
11.1. Notice of Motion - Community Justice Centres
11.2. Question on Notice - Crown Land Expenditure
12.2. Compensation Agreement: Road Realignment - Nurse Kirkpatrick Bridge