18 May, 2023

Gunnedah Shire Council’s blueprint for the year ahead is now on public exhibition and the community is invited to comment.

The Gunnedah Shire Council Draft Operational Plan for 2023-24 contains the draft budget including proposed capital works program, revenue policy and schedule of fees and charges.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the document detailed a practical way forward to continue the Shire’s vision for a prosperous, caring and proud community.

“The Operational Plan represents a clear and financially responsible way forward to deliver outcomes in the areas our community has told us are most important: engaging and supporting the community; building our economy; retaining our quality of life; and protecting and enjoying our beautiful surrounds,” Cr Chaffey said.

“We have had substantial investment in major projects in partnership with the State and Federal governments and our capital works in the 2023-24 year will total $28.8 million. Among the significant projects under way or nearing completion are the Gunnedah Regional Saleyards Redevelopment, Gunnedah Tarmac Upgrade, Gunnedah Koala Sanctuary, and the recovery of our road network following extensive flooding in late 2022.

“This is a document to be proud of in tough economic times, where local governments are bearing the increasing costs of inflation and the concerns that come with labour and skills shortages and costs increases for everything from energy to contractors. We are also feeling the brunt of cost-shifting from other levels of government, with moves such as the recent New South Wales government’s decision to significantly increase the State Emergency Services Levy.

“Despite this, Council is continuing to deliver the critical daily services our community deserves, such as waste and recycling services, animal services, road maintenance, cultural facilities, pool and library facilities, planning and development services, playgrounds, sporting facilities and economic services, and so much more.

“This will be another year in which we can achieve great things in partnership with our community.”

Fast facts from the Draft Operational Plan 2023/24:

• Gunnedah Shire Council’s total budget is $65,473,639
• 43% of the budget comes from rates and charges, with most of the remainder coming from grants and user charges and fees
• The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) has determined the rate peg amount for Council is 3.8% for 2023-24
• Gunnedah Shire Council has four major rates categories: farmland, residential (Gunnedah, village, rural and ordinary), mining, and business (Gunnedah, power generation and ordinary).
• There are 6441 rates assessments in the Shire, with the majority in the residential rate category.
• Council’s Draft Fees and Charges Schedule (also on public exhibition) includes proposed fees and charges for the financial year ahead for everything from cemetery fees to cinema prices, and from waste management services to street trading charges.

The Gunnedah Shire Council Draft Operational Plan 2023/24 and Draft Fees and Charges Schedule 2023/24 have been placed on public exhibition until Thursday, June 15, 2023. The plans can be viewed in person at 63 Elgin Street or online at https://www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/council/the-future-of-gunnedah/draft-documents-exhibition.

You can submit feedback by:

• Emailing council@infogunnedah.com.au Please include your name and contact details.
• Completing an online form on Council’s website: www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au.
• Posting your submission to Gunnedah Shire Council, PO Box 63, Gunnedah 2380 or taking it to Council’s Administration Building at 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah.

Caption: Gunnedah Shire Councillors and staff visited the Gunnedah Regional Saleyards on Wednesday to view the progress of the redevelopment project. They are pictured with site manager Robert Carter from David Payne Constructions (right).