I'm pleased to report that last week, councillors resolved to adopt the Operational Plan and Budget for the forthcoming 2019/20 financial year.
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I was pleased for a number of reasons, not least because the council proposes spending a record $57 million on essential infrastructure right across our shire. These funds will be spent on improving our roads, footpaths, buildings and bridges.
Some of the highlights from the budget include spending $11.8 million over the next four years on gravel re-sheeting and resealing of our rural roads, allocating $13.6 million towards upgrading Merrigang Street, Old South Road and Throsby Street, earmarking over $18 million towards drainage renewals, and investing a massive $77 million over the next four years on upgrading our shire's major sewage treatment plants.
Perhaps the biggest news for many was the announcement that the council had re-affirmed its commitment to our award-winning Environment Levy. In the process we also adopted an alternative funding approach for our five year in-principle support of a Regional Art Gallery.
These changes show that the council heard your concerns, listened and acted.
It also demonstrates that the process by which we enable residents to comment on these important documents - by placing them on public exhibition - does work and can effect real change.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to lodge a submission and tell us how they want our shire to grow, look and feel in the years ahead.
Earlier in the month, the Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock hosted a special ceremony at Parliament House in Sydney to recognise the important role that women play in Local Government.
On hand to receive an award was Sophie Broadbent, a trainee who works in Wingecarribee Shire Council's Planning and Development Department.
Sophie was nominated for the initiative and dedication she demonstrates in her role, and is one of a team of staff who have helped reduce the average determination period for residential houses from 56 days to just 12 days.
Together this team will process some 5,000 applications this year alone!
Congratulations Sophie and the entire Planning and Development Group on a fantastic team effort.
