Draft 2019/20 Operational Plan and Budget

Feedback closed 5pm, 17 June 2019.

The Draft Operational Plan and Budget 2019/20 is a subset of the adopted Delivery Program 2018/19- 2020/21, detailing the activities (projects and services) that will be undertaken in Year 2 of the Delivery Program. The Operational Plan is presented by Divisional view (instead of by the Strategic Directions as per the Delivery Program) for easy of identifying who is delivering each project/service.

In accordance with the Local Government Act 1993, Council must adopt its annual Operational Plan and Budget for the coming financial year by 30 June, outlining the activities to be undertaken in the next financial year (i.e. from 1 July 2019), as part of the Delivery Program. In accordance with the Local Government Regulation 2005, the Operational Plan and Budget must include the annual Revenue Policy.

As was widely communicated between May 2018 and February 2019, the preferred financial scenario of Council’s adopted Resourcing Strategy 2018/19-2027/28 involves a rate increase. Council applied to IPART for a special rate variation (SRV) and minimum rate increase, of 7% per annum (inclusive of the annual rate peg) for five years. On 13 May 2019 IPART granted partial approval, allowing a 7% SRV per annum (inclusive of the rate peg) for three years which can be permanently retained in Council’s general income base; and approval to increase the ordinary minimum rate by 7% per annum for the same period.

From 2019/20 to 2021/22, Council will increase both its general and minimum rates by 7% per annum. The decision to apply for a rate increase was not taken lightly, but was considered the most responsible course of action with Council’s need to renew essential infrastructure and met community demand of services.

The exhibited budget and Revenue Policy are consistent with Scenario 3 of the Resourcing Strategy 2018/19-2027/28 (as previous endorsed by Council on 29 January 2019). The draft Revenue Policy details Council’s estimate rates revenue for 2019/20. The average residential rate will be $835 (a $62 increase on 2018/19), and the average business rate will be $5,112 (a $190 increase on 2018/19). The minimum rate, for both residents and businesses, will increase be $563 (a $37 increase on 2018/19). Note: rate in the dollar is reviewed in late June as per annual practice.

The Domestic Waste Management Charge (DWMC) funds waste and recycling service and free household clean up service. The DWMC will increase by $30 to $400.00 effective from 1 July 2019. This includes a bin capacity increase from 60L to 80L. Pensioner discounts remain 50% of the standard DWMC, therefore the cost will be $200 (a $15 increase on 2018/19).

SUBMISSIONS CLOSED

Submissions closed 5pm, 17 June 2019. All submissions received by the deadline have been collated, analysed and reported to Council - refer to report CoS01, 24 June 2019.

Prior to making a submission please ensure you have reviewed the Draft Operational Plan and Budget, which can be found in the document library.

Use the online submission form (below) or alternatively, send submissions to:

Email - yoursay@northsydney.nsw.gov.au
Mail - General Manager
North Sydney Council
PO Box 12
NORTH SYDNEY NSW 2059

Copies of the Draft Operational Plan and Budget are available for viewing viewing at:

• Council’s Customer Service Centre, 200 Miller Street, North Sydney, from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
• Stanton Library, 234 Miller Street, North Sydney, from 9am to 9pm Monday to Thursday, 9am to 6pm on Friday and from 10am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday.

For further information contact Council’s Manager Integrated Planning & Special Projects on 9936 8100.