Community take the lead in Plan development.
Community input was the focus when Council recommended final changes to its Draft Municipal Plan 2018/19 and Budget at last night’s Council Meeting.
The Draft Municipal Plan 2018/19 and Budget sets out over $6 million in capital projects and significant funding for community services, including over $1m to support its seven recreation reserves and $122,000 for community support projects, all to be carried out over the next 12 months.
Litchfield Council Mayor Maree Bredhauer said, we listened long and hard to the community and we went back to the budget to find more savings.
“Amongst other changes made to the Draft Municipal Plan 2018/19 and Budget, Council decided not to increase the amount paid in allowances to elected members.” the Mayor said.
The 2018 Municipal Plan and Budget includes an overall rate increase of five per cent, equating to less than a dollar a week for most of residents. This increase will assist in funding new initiatives which focus on improvements contributing to Council’s long-term financial sustainability and ensuring that Council is structured to meet changing community needs.
Council has decided that it is timely to conduct a rate review and an allocation has been included to commence this process next financial year. The Mayor said
“We are not going to rush this, instead working closely with the community over the next two financial years we will review the basis for how we charge rates.”
Council remains vigilant about the long-term financial viability of Thorak Regional Cemetery and it potential impact on Litchfield ratepayers. Council is working with the City of Darwin and City of Palmerston to advocate to the NT Government to set up a separate Ministerial Board to operate and manage the Cemetery.
Click here to view the draft Muncipal Plan and Budget 2018/19