Budget
approved
Wyong Shire Council’s
has approved a $360 million budget,
including residential rates and charges for the next
12 months.
Mayor, Warren Welham, said the
Management Plan confirmed the strategic direction and
major projects Council would undertake during 2008/09.
“This is an exciting time for Wyong Shire,” Cr
Welham said.
“The 2008/09 Management Plan is Council’s
promise to residents to undertake and continue work
on some of the most important projects in the Shire’s
history.
“The Management Plan provides funding for vital
programs and infrastructure including the continued
implementation of the Tuggerah Lakes Estuary Management
Plan, the Mardi-Mangrove Link pipeline and 20 year
Shire Strategic Vision.”
Other highlights of the 2008/09 Management Plan include:
• The Community Pride Program which will encourage
community participation in programs that enhance the
local area and promote the Shire’s strengths;
•
Council’s commitment to increase GreenPower purchases
as well as the continuation of the Greenfleet program
which is a native forest planting program to offset
carbon emissions from Council’s vehicle fleet;
•
$3.3 million for new community buildings which includes
The Entrance multi-purpose community facility; and
•
$1.4 million for improvements to Council’s Holiday
Parks.
Mayor Welham said the increase in rates and charges
for the typical residential ratepayer is 5.5 per cent
based on the rate pegging limit of 3.2 per cent set
by the State Government.
“A typical Wyong ratepayer can expect to pay
$1,740 in Council rates and charges next year, an increase
of 5.5 per cent,” Cr Welham said.
“While Council acknowledges that these are tough
economic times for families struggling with increasing
interest rates, rent and petrol prices the increase
in annual charges are impacted to a large extent by
the State Government, in particular an increase in
the EPA Waste Levy and increases in water and sewerage
charges which are determined by the Independent Pricing
and Regulatory Tribunal (IPaRT) and approved by the
Minister for Energy and Utilities.
“With so many major projects vital to the Shire’s
future underway or about to commence, 2008/09 promises
to be an important year in our Shire’s history.”
Media contact: Steve Norris 02 4350 5191 or 0434 323
782
Page last updated: 13/06/2008
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