Council is seeking comment on its draft Integrated Plans 2023-24, which includes the Operational Plan (or Budget), Revenue Policy, Donations Policy, Service Statements and Council’s Fees and Charges.
‘Councillors have been working with staff to develop these plans over the past 3-4 months, including finding the budget savings of $5.5m that are required to ensure Council’s financial sustainability in line with the special rate variation,’ said Mayor, Kenrick Winchester.
‘This is a measured and considered budget and Council has prioritised funding to spend more money maintaining and improving our local roads.’
‘The capital works program this year is valued at $80m, nearly $30m of that is in our water, sewer and waste funds. The works program relies on funding from rates, grants, developer contributions, loans and reserves.’
‘It includes more than $20m worth of road and bridge upgrades, upgrades to aquatic amenities at Braidwood and Queanbeyan and a major restoration of the Captains Flat Pool. The Queanbeyan Civic and Cultural Precinct will be completed along with the first stages of the Regional Sports Complex at Jerrabomberra and the Bungendore Sports Hub.’
‘The community feedback during the special rate variation consultation showed how much Council services were valued, and this budget has maintained current levels of services to all our libraries, community events and sporting fields, parks and amenities.’
‘However, what is necessary for the next 3 years is a reduced asset renewal program and deferring some new projects until Council can afford it. We will continue to deliver normal and emergency repairs and minor works on Council-owned assets, buildings, community facilities, amenities and sporting fields.’
‘We are still reliant on grant funding to implement our strategic plans relating to main street upgrades, new stormwater, new playgrounds, new footpaths and delivery of projects important for environmental restoration and climate change adaptation.’
‘Council has also resolved to extend the additional $40 pensioner rebate that was previously available only to Queanbeyan pensioners to all eligible pensioners in QPRC. That means that eligible pensioners will be able to receives rebates up to $460 off their general rates and water and sewer charges.’
‘All the plans have been developed in line with our special rate variation application to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal. IPART is expected to determine our application in June.’
‘If the community would like to have a conversation with Councillors and staff about the plans, we held a community meeting in Braidwood on 11 May and we have two more community meetings coming up, in Bungendore on 16 May at the Multipurpose Hall at Bungendore Public School and Queanbeyan on 18 May at the Axis Youth Centre. All meetings run from 6pm to 8pm.’
The plans are open for comments at until 12 June 2022.
