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The City of Whyalla is calling for feedback from residents on the 2019-2020 Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget and Draft Summary Fees and Charges Register.
The draft documents allow the public to have its say through an extensive public consultation process.
That process will include a public meeting on Wednesday June 5 at the Whyalla Public Library, making the draft documents available online and in hard copy form and a wide-ranging publicity campaign to inform as many residents as possible of this feedback opportunity.
The draft business plan and budget contains information on the maintenance of existing services and new initiatives while following the strategic direction outlined in Council’s Strategic Plan, Long Term Management Plan and Infrastructure and Asset Management Plan.
“A large number of Council’s decisions are based on the need to listen and act on the views of the community" - CEO Chris Cowley.
Council would like your views on the vision and core values, community strategic plan framework, Council services, annual business plan, rates revenue and the draft Fees and Charges Register. The document also contains information on Council’s achievements for 2018-19 and full financial statements for the year.
Council CEO Chris Cowley said, through public consultation on this important document, Council was committed to supporting a community that is economically, culturally, socially and environmentally sustainable with every decision assessed against these objectives.
“A large number of Council’s decisions are based on the need to listen and act on the views of the community,” Mr Cowley said.
“As a Council, we have to balance the books, ensure services are maintained and improved, continue to fund improvements and initiatives, aim for some big ticket projects, look after our staff and, most importantly, look after the community and Whyalla people.
“This document is the blueprint to achieve all of this.
“With your help, we can continue working together to unearth a bright future for Whyalla including growing a vibrant, attractive city and offering the community a diverse range of opportunities.”
Mr Cowley said more than $2m in objectives achieved within this year’s budget and the continuation and improvement of all regular services showed Council was delivering and providing ratepayers and residents with value for money and sensible governance.
“We’ve developed a stormwater plan, built a wetlands wharf, put down half a million dollars in roads, upgraded footpaths, strengthened the marina walls, put up new street signs, continued the upgrade of Wilson Park and much more as outlined in the draft budget and business plan,” Mr Cowley said.
“Within this new budget and plan we can look forward to the first year of a massive three-year $14m road delivery program to address backlog, upgrades to Memorial Oval, the marina, foreshore, Ada Ryan Gardens and Norton Park.
“This can all be achieved within this draft budget and business plan but we also want you, the residents, to tell us what you think of our plans for the future and how we go about it.”
The 2019-2020 Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget, Rating Policy, Draft Summary Fees and Charges and Draft Long Term Financial Plan documents can be viewed online on at http://www.whyalla.sa.gov.au/publicconsultation or obtain hard copies at the Council offices on Darling Terrace. Submissions can be made until Thursday, June 13, 2019 and can be submitted in writing to council@whyalla.sa.gov.au or by post Box 126, Whyalla SA 5600.
Those wishing to ask questions or make a deputation at the public meeting on Wednesday June 5, starting 6.30pm at the Whyalla Public Library, need to register their interest by the end of business on Friday, May 31, 2019 via email or post.