The Dungog Shire Council's draft Operational Plan for the next year has gone on public exhibition for community comment.
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The plan details the council's forecast for delivering its public infrastructure, and community, cultural, and administrative services.
General Manager Coralie Nichols says the plan is a clear roadmap for the council and community and details a $30.85 million budget for the shire.
"The council is proposing total expenditure over the next year of $30.845 million with expected revenue of $30.8 million," Ms Nichols said.
"The budget includes the special rate variation approved by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) in May for council to increase general rates by 15% this year.
"This means an average residential rate increase of $135, and $685 over five years.
"It will ensure the council has a better financial footing to continue to deliver what the community demands and expects of its council."
The rate increase will give the council an extra $700,259 over the year with the majority to be spent on Dungog's roads, and bridges' program.
Ms Nichols has nominated several projects in the next year, including:
- Dowling Street upgrade (Mary to Mackay Streets);
- Start of the Clarence Town Sports facility for $575,000;
- A $127,977 upgrade of the Dungog netball courts;
- $2m replacements of Coulston and Spooner bridges;
- Completion of Tucker Park amenities upgrade;
- Upgrade of Dungog Road between Grace Avenue to Horns Crossing Road.
The annual budget forecasts a total expenditure on the shire roads network of over $14.96 million.
Copies of the draft plan are available on the Council website, at Council's Administration Centre, and at Dungog Library, Gresford Post Office, Clarence Town RTC, Vacy General Store, and Paterson Country Café and General Store.
Written submissions will be received until 4.30pm on Wednesday, June 26.