A large part of the plan focuses on Council’s core business of maintaining and upgrading existing roads, providing essential services such as waste collection and maintaining the district’s parks and gardens.
The Annual Business Plan is an important step towards delivering the vision and aspirations expressed in Council’s Strategic Plan (Uniquely Barunga 2020- 2030), and outlines the intended programs, projects and services for the coming year, along with the Council’s anticipated revenue, expenditure and projected financial position.
The Vision Statement that has helped frame the Annual Business Plan is: “We are a vibrant, thriving, safe and welcoming coastal and agricultural community with an unspoilt natural environment and relaxed country lifestyle.”
Council’s total revenue is forecast to be $7.8 million, including $5.4m from rates and $939,000 from grants. There is a $500,000 payment expected this financial year from Fisherman Bay Management for its open space contribution associated with the Fisherman Bay freehold project.
The Annual Business Plan outlines a planned capital spend of around $6m for major projects including an upgrade to the Bute CWMS facilities, main street upgrades, fishing infrastructure (pontoon and toilet facilities), and new plant and equipment.
To deliver services and projects, revenue of $5.4m is projected to be raised from general rates. This is an increase from the previous financial year of $241,000.
Council approved the modest 5 per cent increase in its total rate revenue to cover costs of services and programs for 2022-23, despite consecutive years of rising costs in fuel, labour and materials that are being felt by the Council and the community.
Despite an average increase of 23 per cent in the district’s property capital values this year, Council’s residential rates are the lowest on the Yorke Peninsula. This year, primary producers who own land in Barunga West Council will pay 50 per cent less than the base residential rate.
Barunga West Council is one of the few municipalities in South Australia to reduce the cents in the dollar rates for residential and pastoral properties.
Maree Wauchope, Chief Executive, of Barunga West Council said the Annual Business Plan delivered a responsible budget while maintaining an ambitious and exciting vision for the future of the Top of the Yorke.
“Council is overseeing the delivery of a range of projects throughout the district, while also planning for the future to bring Council’s assets up to standards and ensure its financial sustainability, including reaching an operating surplus by 2028,” Ms Wauchope said.
“As you would expect, this year’s Annual Business Plan is focused on the delivery of core services and infrastructure.
“There are some important and exciting projects planned for the coming year, including around $17m of works being undertaken by Bardavcol at Fisherman Bay. This is funded by private sector investment, secured by Council through an Infrastructure Deed with the developers.
“Port Broughton’s Civic Square will be upgraded to make the area more inviting for the community and visitors. There will be a $390,000 upgrade to Bute’s open spaces, including the installation of a bike track, a silo art viewing area and grassed play areas.
“We will also be delivering improvements to Council’s main streets, and continue to work on solutions for coastal protection. More than $500,000 will be spent on a new fishing pontoon for Port Broughton Jetty and new amenities at the Port Broughton Boat Ramp.
“Council will continue to progress plans for a new $1.2 million Tourism and Events Centre at Port Broughton, and we remain hopeful of securing matching state or Federal Government funding of $600,000 for it to proceed.”
The Annual Business Plan continues Council’s significant investment in roads, footpaths and kerbing, with $1.6m allocated to upgrades this financial year.
“All of these projects will deliver economic benefits, particularly during the construction and delivery phase, and ultimately position our region as one of the most attractive residential and holiday destinations in the state,” Ms Wauchope said.