The Port Macquarie-Hastings community is invited to ‘have your say’ on Council’s proposed actions, activities, projects, budget and performance measures for the 2019/20 financial year.
The 2019/20 draft Operational Plan is the third annual plan since the Council election held in September 2016, and is on public exhibition until Thursday 18 April.
The draft plan is part of Council’s integrated suite of planning documents, and demonstrates how Council is achieving the objectives and vision of the Community Strategic Plan.
General Manager, Craig Swift-McNair said that the continued growth of the Port Macquarie-Hastings local government area is one of the key ongoing challenges facing Council and the community.
“Continuing to plan for and deliver the infrastructure to accommodate that growth remains a major focus,” said Mr Swift-McNair.
“This includes providing waste, water and sewer services, road rehabilitation and maintenance, stormwater maintenance and vegetation management.
“In addition, the ongoing development and maintenance of our parks, reserves and sporting grounds and construction and maintenance of footpaths is a high priority, as Council works hard to ensure our area can cope with the current and anticipated future growth.”
Traffic congestion and future planning for the region’s growing transport infrastructure needs is one particular issue that Council will continue to work with the community on during 2019/20, and this will include ongoing conversations around the proposed Orbital Road.
The total projected income for 2019/20 is $196.4 million, and total expenditure of $197.7 million which includes;
Council plans to delivery $67.4 million in capital works programs during 2019/20.
Key projects proposed include:
“Council’s budget is under constant pressure, and there will be ongoing vigilance required to ensure that Council continues to maintain its financial sustainability, whilst still delivering the services and works required by the community,” said Mr Swift-McNair.
“Throughout 2019/20 we will also continue to take as many opportunities as possible to engage with our community, as it is these interactions that bring Council closer to the community.
“If we are to continue to create a vibrant future for our area, then we need to ensure we connect often with the people who help make our area such a vibrant place to live, learn, work, play and invest.’ ?Over the coming month Council staff will be out and about engaging with our community, answering questions and listening to feedback on the plan.
Community pop-up sessions will take place as follows: ?
“The draft plan is very much the result of engagement with our community over a long period of time, and we look forward to continuing to listen to and deliver for our community in 2019/20 and beyond,” added Mr Swift-McNair.
A handy fact sheet has also been developed for those community members who would like a high level overview of the draft plan, including a snapshot of key projects taking place in the Camden Haven, Port Macquarie and Wauchope regions.
The 2019/20 draft Operational Plan is on exhibition until Thursday 18 April and can be viewed at haveyoursay.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/future-planning and at Council offices and libraries in Port Macquarie, Laurieton and Wauchope. Further information is also available by calling Council on 6581 8111.
