Council is doing “Okay” considering unavoidable economic impacts

Published on 29 October 2024

councillors-and-senior-staff.jpg

Council’s financial statements for 2023-24 were referred to audit by General Manger, Melissa Boxall in mid-September under delegation, as resolved by Council prior to the Local Government election.

On Thursday 24 November, at Council’s extra ordinary meeting Council authorised the signing of the draft financial statements.

Council achieved an operating surplus of $638k last financial year, down from $1.625 million surplus in the year ending June 2023.

“Financial sustainability is the number one issue facing all rural and regional Councils, and we are doing Okay considering,” said Mayor Rick Firman.

It is clear inflationary pressures continue to affect all areas of Council’s operations, with price increases to fuel, insurance, freight, and materials.

“The current economic environment we live in continues to impact us all,” said Mayor Firman.

Again, this year, Council’s grant funding received is at an unprecedented high at $17.85 million, an increase of $1 million from the previous financial year.

“This should be acknowledged, as well as celebrated – as successful funding applications take a lot of Council staff time and resources to achieve. This is important during this time so that we can continue to invest and improve our assets during this strenuous time.” Mayor Firman praised.

User fees and charges increased significantly, because of Council being contracted to upgrade Hoskins Street roads, and the growth of Council’s community services provision.

In the 2023-24 financial year, Council delivered:

  • Federal Park, Bradley Park and Temora West Park playground and access upgrades
  •  LED energy efficient lighting upgrades at Bob Aldridge, Temora West Sportsground, Temora Tennis Club, and Ingalba rest area
  • Bob Aldridge amenities upgrades
  •  Nixon Park athletics area and amenities upgrades
  • The Bundawarrah Centre entrance upgrade
  • Harper Park, Ariah Park toilet upgrades for improved accessibility
  • Hoskins Street upgrade (parts 1 & 2) on behalf of Transport NSW
  • Final upgrades to Tara Bectric Road
  • Kooks crossing
  • Sealed Back Mimosa Rd and Harmon St
  • Embrace Festival 2024
  • Temora & Bland Shire Drought Resilience Plan
  • The Resilience Project launched

While Council has a surplus, the results are distorted due to the receipt in advance of approximately 85% of the 2025 financial year Financial Assistance Grant allocation in 2024 (of $4.3 million), and the Regional Local Roads Repair Program funding of $3.4 million.

“Council will continue to closely monitor expenditure and apply for funding opportunities aligned with our Community Strategic and Delivery Plans,” said Mayor Firman “Both are due to be updated in the new year, following the recent input from our community in our Community Scorecard. The results are highly anticipated.”

“We thank our Shire community for taking the time to complete the survey to assist Council to develop plans that align with our community needs and priorities,” concluded Mayor Firman.

The draft financial statements were signed by Councillors and management. The statements will be on exhibition on Council website and in Council’s office from this Friday 1 November until Friday 29 November 2024.

 

 

Tagged as:
Back to top