June 30, 2022

Gunnedah Shire Council has adopted a new suite of strategic documents to take Gunnedah into the new financial year and beyond.

At the extraordinary Council meeting this week, Councillors adopted five documents:

• the 2017 ‐ 2027 Reviewed Community Strategic Plan (CSP), “Together We Achieve Great Things”;
• the 2022-23 ‐ 2025-26 Delivery Program;
• the 2022-23 Operational Plan;
• the 2022-23 Fees and Charges; and
• the 2022-23 – 2031-32 Long Term Financial Plan.

The reviewed version of the 2017-2027 CSP, “Together We Achieve Great Things”, is a 10-year document that sets the direction for Gunnedah between 2017 and 2027.

Gunnedah Shire Council Mayor Councillor Jamie Chaffey said the vision statement was based on extensive community engagement over the past two years that helped shape the Shire’s priorities.

“This document contains a true reflection of the community’s desire for the future of Gunnedah Shire,” Cr Chaffey said. “The articulation of this vision provides Council with an excellent framework to deliver its commitments effectively and efficiently.”

This first Delivery Program for the new Council sets out the work plans and what we want achieve and our priorities as outlined in the Community Strategic Plan.

The Operational Plan sets out budgeted actions Council will undertake as part of the Delivery Program in the new financial year.

“This Operational Plan demonstrates that Gunnedah Shire Council remains Fit for the Future amid a tremendous time of change and challenge,” Cl. Chaffey said. “The 2022‐23 financial year sees the continuation of the substantial and accelerated delivery of capital works totalling $13.8 million, ($47.2 million for 2021-22). The capital expenditure over the next 10 years, by comparison, is estimated at $100 million for the entire 10-year period.”

The 2022-23 Fees and Charges sets out the specific fees and charges applicable across all Council services in the next financial year.

Gunnedah Shire Council also voted to reduce the water rate charges for sporting groups and charities to a flat $1 per kilolitre.

The Long Term Financial Plan for 2022-23 to 2031-32 confirms Council’s financial objectives, forecasts and guides the Delivery Program and Operational Plan. This document identifies risks and ensures Council compliance with key financial indicators.

“It is pleasing to see such ambitious plans for the future of Gunnedah while ensuring that the organisation maintains a financially stable, Fit for the Future Council,” Cr Chaffey said.

“With the framework of these documents, we are already on our way to an even stronger future for Gunnedah Shire.”

To view the IP&R documents, click here.

ENDS

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s media team on (02) 6740 2100.