Last chance to comment on Council's Operational Plan for 2012/2013
There is just one week left for Port Macquarie-Hastings residents to comment on Council's Draft Operational Plan for the 2012-13 financial year.
Following the consultation late last year and Council's subsequent application to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) for a Special Rate Variation, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council has placed on public exhibition the Draft 2012/2013 Operational Plan and the revised 2011-2015 Delivery Program.
The Operational Plan details the principal activities that Council will undertake next financial year to address the objectives outlined in the delivery Program. It also includes the targets that Council sets for achieving these actions.
Alongside the Operational Plan the proposed budget and fees and charges for next financial year are also on exhibition. The budget developed is based on Council being successful in the application to IPART to permanently apply a 7.3% special rate variation currently due to expire at the end of this financial year as well as an increase of 4.43% to be in the rates base for a period of five (5) years only. These increases would be in addition to the government approved rate peg of 3.6%.
Council's General Manager Tony Hayward says the draft Operational Plan addresses the community's expectations on Council's level of service.
"The Operational Plan on exhibition reflects the significant focus for next financial year on continuing to invest in the road network maintenance and rehabilitation. Unfortunately these works have been neglected in the past and it now becomes a priority to dedicate a lot of resources and funds to addressing this activity," said Mr Hayward.
Also on public exhibition is;
Revised 2011-2015 Delivery Program which outlines Council's overall objectives for the four years and aligns with the Community Strategic Plan.
The Long Term Financial Plan which covers a 10 year period and details Council's projected revenue, expenditure and budgetary position for each year within the Plan.
A draft Hardship Policy has also been developed to provide extra assistance to ratepayers who may be facing difficult financial circumstances.
The documents are on public exhibition until the 26th April 2012 and are available to download from the exhibition section of Council's website www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au. Hard copies are available in Council offices and libraries.
