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Mount Gambier City Council adopts two significant budget papers for the future

The financial blueprint for the upcoming financial year has been rubberstamped by the Mount Gambier City Council, with a long term vision also tabled ready for action.

The City of Mount Gambier 2022/2023 Annual Business Plan and Budget was adopted at a Special Council meeting held at the end of last month.

Council also adopted the Draft Long Term Financial Plan and Draft Asset Management Plans 2023-2032 at the meeting.

City of Mount Gambier CEO Sarah Philpott (pictured) said the Annual Business Plan sets out Council’s proposed services, programs and projects for 2022/2023.

“It aims to maintain an efficient service for the community and continued progress towards the longer term objectives of the city as set out in the City of Mount Gambier 2020-2024 Strategic Plan,” she said.

“Specific objectives for the year are consistent with Council’s Long Term Financial Plan and Asset Management Plans to ensure the long term sustainability of Council’s financial performance and position.”

The budget outlines a total spend of $39.6 million in operating expenditure to deliver council

“...it aims to maintain an efficient service for the community and continued progress towards the longer term objectives of the city ...” Sarah Philpott (City of Mount Gambier CEO)

services, and a total capital expenditure of $21.5 million has been allocated to renew, upgrade and build new assets, including the completion of the Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre.

The 2022/2023 Annual Business Plan and Budget includes a 4.5 per cent rate increase in line with the council’s Long Term Financial Plan and a commitment to the community to not raise rates beyond this amount.

The average residential ratepayer will pay $1167 in 2022/2023, equating to an overall increase of $55 which is below the South Australian state average.

The fixed charge allocation percentage of rates (excluding the Waste Service Charge) has been reduced from 45 per cent to 37

“...we thank the members of the community who took the time to submit feedback...it was a valuable opportunity for council to listen to the needs and aspirations of those who live and work in our city...” Lynette Martin OAM (City of Mount Gambier Mayor)

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per cent since the draft budget was released. This change has been made to offset the significant residential valuation increases in 2022/2023.

“After we received the relevant data to conduct our rates modelling, it was determined to reduce the fixed charge percentage of rates to offset increases in the average property values as determined by the Valuer-General,” Ms Philpott said.

Prior to adoption, members of the community were invited to provide feedback on the draft documents during the community consultation process which closed on June 9.

Five submissions were received and considered by council at a special meeting held on June 14 and the City of Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin OAM said council was grateful for those who made the effort to have thier say.

“We thank the members of the community who took the time to submit feedback and those who presented to council at the meeting,” Mayor Martin said. “It was a valuable opportunity for council to listen to the needs and aspirations of those who live and work in our city.”

FUNDING COMMUNITY ASSETS &

PROGRAMS: (Above from left) The recently adopted budget and long term financial plan keeps in mind activities like the raft of Mounjt Gambier Library programs, including STEAM Club, and also financing major assets, including the under-construction Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre.