Chris Oldfield, Naracoorte Community News
Almost $4 million on road construction, $70,000 on swimming pools, $268,000 on buildings and $1.4 million on industrial estates these are a few of the projects listed in the Tatiara District Council’s 2022 23 draft budget and business plan.
The council is calling for people to read and comment on the documents which include a 2 per cent rate increase.
Other spending includes $675,000 on worker accommodation which is jointly funded with the Federal Government.
And there is a $400,000 grant for the Tatiara Motorsport Precinct redevelopment, and
Also according to draft documents, the Tatiara catchment water management scheme charges for occupied properties will remain at $350.
The charge to vacant land will be reduced to $160.
A waste service charge will increase to $379 per service.
In a summary of the draft documents, mayor Graham Excel said in part “Our budget balances financial prudence and community need, continued provision of a broad range of services, maintenance of infrastructure, and a small number of community and economic development initiatives.
“The budget proposes a rate increase of 2 per cent representing $8.7 million total general rate revenue.
“This is the same increase as in 2021 22 and reflects our long term planning, adjusted for recent significant CPI increases.
“We would like you to participate in our budget and annual business planning process.”
Submissions will be received until 5pm June 14.
Within the plan, on behalf of the council, CEO Anne Champness explained that gathering community input “is an important part of the preparation of the annual business plan”.
“Each year council consults with the community on a range of different issues and projects,” she said.
“The feedback obtained during these formal and informal consultations is taken into consideration during our annual business planning process.”
In addition to all those consultations during the year, Ms Champness said the council would also consult with the community specifically on its draft annual business plan and budget.
Consultation on the draft plan and budget started on May 18.
It concludes with a public meeting to enable the community to ask questions and provide feedback on June 14.
This article appeared in the Naracoorte Community News.
