Have your say on the Draft Business Plan and Budget 2023/24 and Long Term Financial Plan 2023/24 – 2032/33
This financial year Council is presenting a near break-even operating position (excluding subsidiaries) with an on average rates increase of 5.8 per cent for 2023/24 (excluding Vacant Land and growth on subdivisions).
This rates increase is lower than the March 2023 Consumer Price Index (CPI) of 7.9 per cent and December 2022 Local Government Price Index (LGPI)* of 6.9 per cent.
Council is very aware of the increased cost of living pressures on the community. However after two years of 0 per cent rates increases and a modest increase of 3.5 per cent last year, it was essential for Council to increase rates to continue delivery of the high levels of service to the community. Council has exercised financial discipline by limiting discretionary project spending to a minimum and undertaking a full review of Council expenditure to be able to keep the proposed rates increase at a much lower rate than both the LGPI and CPI.
A near break-even operating position also demonstrates Council’s commitment to lean financial management, keeping rates low and affordable while maintaining and delivering more than 118 high-quality services for our community.
*the Local Government Price (LGPI) Index is a historical index, whereas a rates increase is for the year ahead. In the LGPI ‘basket’ are wages, heavy equipment, diesel, bitumen, and much greater proportions of power and water than the average household.
**More detail on these projects can be found in the Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget document found on
