23 June, 2023

Gunnedah Shire Council has adopted the 2023-24 Operational Plan and Fees and Charges following consideration of community submissions.

Each year, Council sets out its blueprint for the year ahead, with a budget that includes the capital works program, revenue policy and schedule of fees and charges.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the Operational Plan was Council’s guide to a financially responsible year, balancing the costs of services and infrastructure against the funding available.

“The 2023-24 Gunnedah Shire Council budget is nearly $66 million and includes $28.8 million of capital works,” Cr Chaffey said.

“About 46% of this funding comes from grants and contributions that are awarded for specific projects or services, much of it from the State and Federal governments. Another 32% of the budget comes from rates and charges.

“As well as capital works, this budget must cover the huge range of services provided by local government, from looking after parks and gardens to cemeteries, the cinema, waste management, animal control and road maintenance. Gunnedah Shire Council is responsible for the running and maintenance of facilities such as the Gunnedah Memorial Pool and the airport, the saleyards and many sporting fields.

“This is a responsible budget in difficult economic times. Councils across the state are facing financial stress from more than just the rising costs of services and products. Cost-shifting from the State to local government also means we are looking at reduced funds to meet expanded expenses.

“I’m pleased that we have been able to listen to the concerns of a number of groups within our community and, in response, we have reduced some of the fees that were originally proposed for the swimming pool, showground and cultural precinct.

“This budget balances the needs of our community with the available funding, along with the critical requirement to keep the Shire’s infrastructure and assets in good shape for the future.”

The Gunnedah Shire Council Operational Plan 2023/24 and Fees and Charges Schedule 2023/24 are available at www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

Caption: Gunnedah Shire councillors undertake a tour of the new Water Treatment Plant on Kelvin Road.

ENDS

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