The 2019- 20 Draft Municipal Plan and Budget has been endorsed by Council and is now out for public consultation. The plan is a comprehensive document that maintains a focus on current needs of the community while also looking to the future as we continue to maintain our $499 millon of assets and advocate for improved facilities to benefit residents over the next 20 years.

The Draft Municipal Plan includes a balanced budget of almost $28 million with $10.8 million income from rates. Some key highlights include almost $5.6 million to be spent on roads, $92,000 for Community Grants and Sponsorship and $155,000 for plans including a master plan for Council owned land at 320 Arnhem Hwy, Humpty Doo and a plan for more connected paths.

Residents are able to make comment on the document between now and Thursday 6 June 2019. Thank you to all those residents who have contributed so far. Copies are available online, at Council and Councillors and staff have scheduled a number of pop up stalls at the Markets and shopping centres throughout the Municipality during the consultation time.

Coming up on Tuesday 4 June, will be the presentations of the 2019 Litchfield Community Grants Awards. These annual grants of up to $5000 for community organisations are fully funded from the recycling profits from the cans, batteries etc deposited by you at the Waste Transfer Stations.

It was great to be able to catch up with so many residents at the 40th Freds Pass Rural Show. The Ruby Anniversary show certainly showed off our community and all that we love about what is the ‘best place to live in the Top End’. Special thanks to the many volunteers who work not only on the day but throughout the year to make this event a success.

As usual I am keen to connect with all Litchfield residents. You can contact me via email maree.bredhauer@litchfield.nt.gov.au or ph. 89 830612.

Next Council meeting is Wednesday 26 June at 6.30pm at the Council Chambers, Bees Creek Road. Council Meeting agendas and minutes can be found on the website along with all policies and recent happenings.