23/24 Budget adopted
Published on 28 June 2023
Murray River Council has adopted its draft 2023/24 Operational Plan and Budget, which includes a $33.98 million capital works program.
This follows a 28-day exhibition period of Council’s budget documents, including the Schedule of Fees for the coming year.
Murray River Council Mayor, Chris Bilkey said it is a carefully considered budget as council continues with service level reviews to pursue internal savings.
“Revenue streams are becoming tighter, so in developing this budget we’ve had to work on balancing community aspirations and needs with the financial resources available.”
“We are also continuing to investigate asset rationalisation, service delivery and resourcing to ensure we are operating as economically as possible.”
The draft budget is based on a total rate revenue increase of 4.10% in general rates, which is in line with the rate cap set by the Independent Pricing & Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).
Whilst service reviews will continue into the 2023/24 year, some of the larger areas of committed capital spend include:
• Moama Preschool Development $5,657,469
• Regional & Local Road Repair Program $3,617,772
• Plant Replacement Program $2,500,000
• Roads to Recovery Program $2,150,000
• Waste 10Yr Capex Program - Year 2 Activities $1,897,000
• TechnologyOne Implementation – Phase 2 $1,617,250
• Kyalite Road Widening $1,600,000
• Regional Roads Reseals Program $1,000,000
• Regional Roads Repair Program $900,000
• Moama Riverside Raw Water Intake improve safety access $801,130
• Road Resheeting Program $800,000
“There’s still lots happening as we move into the new financial year,” Cr Bilkey said.
“We are confident that this budget strikes a balance between fulfilling existing levels of service, continuing delivery of some community projects and remaining flexible enough to move with our Infrastructure Program as flood repair works continue to be approved and funded.”