Revised Delivery Program 2017-21 and Operational Plan 2019/20

Council, at its Extraordinary meeting on 21 May 2019, resolved to place the revised Draft Delivery Program for 2017-21, the Operational Plan (2019-20 budget) including Fees and Charges, on public exhibition.

The Delivery Program/Operational Plan is a detailed plan which provides information on Council’s key services, projects, programs and budget for the next financial year. It also includes a full list of all scheduled capital works and all proposed fees and charges.

The net operating result for the year is a $3.066 million surplus. Excluding capital revenues (grants and developer contributions) the result is a $(3.879) million deficit. A cash surplus of $1.198 million has also been reported.

The 2019/20 budget is $163.522 million, which includes $44.2 million for roads and associated infrastructure, or 27% of the budget.

A total of $34.17 million in acquisition of assets is included in the 2019/20 financial year. Some of the major projects include:

• $10.69 million for roads and associated activities;
• $5.92 million on parks and recreation;
• $4.48 million in wastewater infrastructure;
• $4.28 million in water infrastructure;
• $2.82 million for plant replacement;
• $2.43 million for waste disposal – Landfill Cell 2;
• $1.25 million for waste disposal – MRF, capping & planning; and
• $1.23 million for Stormwater Management Services.

There have been some major changes required to provide a cash surplus. Some of these changes include:

• the Roads Rehabilitation Program being reduced by $1.129 million
• downscaling production at Blakebrook Quarry for at least twelve months, saving $3.6 million
• the Drainage Reconstruction program has been reduced to $nil (saving approximately $200,000)
• no transfer of funds to reserve for Council's share of costs for Tucki Tucki Creek Acquisitions (saving approximately $110,000) and
• Lismore Memorial Baths swim season reduced to 6 months, saving $61,400 p.a.

The budget also outlines changes to fees and charges.

This year’s budget includes a general rate increase of 2.7% (rate peg) as well as increases to waste charges (1.8%), water charges (4.6%) and wastewater charges (1.8%). For the average residential property, rate bills will increase by $99.54 to $3,521.

This year’s budget includes a general rate increase of 2.7% (rate peg) as well as increases to waste charges (1.8%), water charges (4.6%) and wastewater charges (1.8%). For the average residential property, rate bills will increase by $99.54 to $3,521.

The budget also includes provision for extensive community consultation about a special rate variation (SRV) that would allow Council to improve roads and footpaths, support business growth and provide better parks and facilities.

If the community is supportive of the SRV, it would be staged over three to five years from 2020/21.

The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal of NSW (IPART) requires Council to advise the community that we will be entering into consultation about future rate increases. IPART also requires that prior to the consultation that we publish the full potential of any proposed rate increases.

Mayor Isaac Smith said it was important to have the conversation with the community about the level of service they expect from Council and how it is paid for.

“We have managed to turn a $6 million deficit into a $1.2 million surplus by making significant internal changes and savings without impacting upon our residents,” he said. “But if we want to grow our city, improve infrastructure and the quality of life of all residents, then we will need to increase revenue into the future.”

The consultation process will include a dedicated page on ‘Your Say Lismore', wide promotion of the consultation process, face to face workshops and information kiosks at local events and other workshops. Council proposes to undertake consultation with the community from August 2019.

Please take some time to review the documents and provide Council with your comments. Draft copies of these documents are available on the right-hand side of this page in the Document Library.

Following the exhibition period and the receipt of public comments, this matter will be reported back to Council including submissions, for final adoption.

We value your feedback and appreciate any input you may have.

Hard copies can be found at:

• Council's Corporate Centre, 43 Oliver Avenue, Goonellabah,
• Goonellabah and Lismore Libraries
• Nimbin Visitor Information Centre 3/46 Cullen Street, Nimbin

You can provide your feedback via a submission in the following ways:

• Online - see the submission form below
• Email: council@lismore.nsw.gov.au
• In writing to the General Manager, Lismore City Council, PO Box 23A, Lismore, NSW 2480

Closing date and time for submissions is 5pm Friday, 21 June 2019.