The Operational Plan and Budget for the upcoming 2020/21 financial year has been adopted by Wingecarribee Shire Councillors.
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Mayor Duncan Gair said the adoption of the document paved the way for $68.8 million to be spent on capital works projects over the next twelve months.
"Council can now proceed with the job of delivering a number of key projects that will have a long-lasting and positive impact on our Shire," he said.
Highlights from the adopted 2020/21 Operational Plan and Budget include:
- $9.9 million to be spent on improving community buildings,
- $24.2 million to be spent on renewing roads, bridges and footpaths,
- $10.6 million to be spent on upgrading the Shire's sewerage network,
- $11 million to be spent on improving the water supply network, and
- Other key announcements include funding to be allocated towards scoping repair works for the Mittagong Memorial Hall and $5.2 million which will be used to establish a dedicated Animal Shelter Reserve.
"This year's Operational Plan and Budget is both fiscally responsible yet demonstrates that council is planning and preparing for future growth and opportunity across the Shire," he said.
"It also means that the next twelve months will be one of our busiest years on record."
The Mayor also thanked Highland residents when announcing the adoption of both documents.
"This year we received a total of 75 submissions during the public exhibition period," he said.
"This is particularly impressive given the disruption caused by both the bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic."
Feedback was received regarding the proposed Southern Highlands Sports Hub at Lackey Park, a request for further action in response to Council's Climate Change Emergency Declaration, funding requests for upgrades to local netball facilities, support for the replacement and relocation of the Wingecarribee Animal Shelter and feedback on the Environment Levy.
"This high level of feedback demonstrates the genuine interest our community has regarding the future of our Shire," he said.
"I thank everyone who took the time to provide feedback and help shape this year's Operational Plan and Budget.
"And while the Operational Plan and Budget focuses on the year ahead, we haven't lost sight of those residents still doing it tough in the wake of the summer fires and pandemic."
Unique to the 2020/21 Operational Plan are key deliverables focusing on developing community wide recovery plans for both crises and ongoing bushfire recovery support.
"I would also remind any residents or businesses directly impacted by the shutdowns, who haven't done so already, to contact Council to discuss how they may be able to benefit from Council's COVID-19 financial support measures."
To view the adopted 2020/21 Operational Plan Budget including Revenue Policy and Fees and Charges, visit www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/integrated-planning-and-reporting.
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