Have your say on Kempsey Shire Council’s plans for 2023-24
Published on 28 April 2023
Residents are invited to have their say on the $167 million dollars allocated to drive community and economic growth in the Kempsey Shire during the 2023-24 financial year.
Kempsey Shire Council’s draft annual budget for the coming year was unveiled at the April Ordinary Meeting of Council on Tuesday 18 April. Big winners included in the budget are the water and sewer network with over $46 million dedicated to maintenance and upgrades and around $50 million towards improving the road and bridge network.
With Councillors providing their endorsement to place the draft budget on exhibition, it is now time for the community to review the plans and provide feedback. Also available for public comment is the Schedule of Fees and Charges, Revenue Policy, Rates Map and the Long Term Financial Plan.
Kempsey Shire Council Mayor, Leo Hauville, said the best outcomes are reached when the community engages in the decision-making process.
“I highly recommend that residents take the time to review the documents and provide feedback on the Council's plans for the upcoming financial year,” said Councillor Hauville.
“The budget includes plans to advance several significant projects, such as the upgrading of Lloyd Park in Crescent Head and Horseshoe Bay, the construction of new water treatment plants for areas like Willawarrin, and the development of the Five Headlands Coastal Experience.”
“The content of each document is a result of careful community consultation and high level diligence by Council staff, led by the General Manager, Craig Milburn. I would like to acknowledge Council’s leadership team and staff for their dedication to develop each of them.”
Kempsey Shire Council General Manager, Craig Milburn said replacing 56 timber bridges in the Kempsey Shire should wrap up within the coming financial year.
“Council's infrastructure delivery team will continue to work on this program, which is expected to be completed in April 2024, ensuring safer and more efficient transportation for the community.”
“Council is also prioritising modern and sustainable waste management, with landfill cell 4 to be operational and the Waste Management Strategy implemented”
“Our financial position continues to be challenging with an operating deficit forecast for the financial year. Driving this is the impact of inflationary cost pressures, labour costs, and lately, rising interest rates and borrowing costs. A detailed body of work will be undertaken over the next six months to consider all available options to address Council’s financial position.”
The draft Integrated Planning and Reporting suite is on exhibition until Sunday 21 May 2023.
Have your say at ksc.pub/budget2023