Have your say on proposed Special Rate Variation 7 November 2024 Shoalhaven residents will have the opportunity to provide feedback on proposed Special Rate Variation options under consideration by Council. At an Extraordinary Meeting this week, Council resolved to consult the community about whether they would support an increase to their rates from 1 July 2025 of: · Eight per cent including Rate Peg · Twelve per cent including Rate Peg · No variation above 3.8 per cent Rate Peg. “Over the next month we will be hosting a number of in-person events, and an online survey, to allow the community to learn more and to have their say about this proposed Special Rate Variation,” said Mayor Patricia White. “This proposed rate increase would assist Council to prioritise some of the backlog of maintenance across our city, particularly on our roads, while we continue to find ways to reduce costs and increase revenue internally,” she said. “It is vital that residents make their voices heard during this period of consultation so we can ensure our decision reflects the wishes of our community. An independent review of Council’s finances in November 2023 identified an annual shortfall in the general fund of up to $35 million dollars. Council has since embarked on a range of initiatives to reduce costs and increase revenue. This year, the organisation has made $3.2 million in savings through a range of measures, including workforce initiatives such as cuts to overtime, reduced recruitment, budget control measures and changes to operating hours of services and facilities. As part of this work, Council is conducting a thorough condition assessment of our roads and community buildings to understand the true cost of renewal. This information will be used to develop an evidence-based analysis of the amount of money required to address our infrastructure backlog during the next 10 years and beyond. Details of the measures and strategic actions that are underway by Council to improve the financial position can be viewed on our Financial Sustainability web page. To learn more about the proposed rate increase options, residents are invited to attend pop-up information stands at the below times and locations: · Sunday 10 November | Ulladulla Wharf Markets, Ulladulla | 8am – 1:00pm · Thursday 14 November | Ulladulla Leisure Centre, Ulladulla | 10am – 11am · Monday 18 November | Nowra Centre Plaza, Nowra | 10am – 12pm · Thursday 21 November | Bay & Basin Leisure Centre, Vincentia | 10am – 11am · Saturday 23 November | Nowra Showground, Nowra | 8am – 1:30pm · Sunday 24 November | Berry Village Markets, Berry | 9:30am – 3:00pm People can also register for in-person workshops to share ideas and contribute to the discussion at the below times and locations: · Wednesday 13 November | Nowra Administration Building | 5:30pm – 7pm · Wednesday 20 November | Ulladulla Civic Centre | 5:30pm – 7pm The updated draft Long-Term Financial Plan is on exhibition as part of the suite of Resourcing Strategy 2022-26 documents. Hard copy versions are available for viewing at Council’s administration centres and library branches. People can lodge submissions and provide feedback in the survey about the proposed Special Rate Variation options until 5pm Thursday 5 December 2024. ** End ** | 
