In 2011/2012, Council undertook an extensive community engagement process as it worked to develop plans that would guide how it did business. These plans were based on what the community told us was important to them.

Following the new term of Council, Council is required to complete a review of its Integrated Planning and Reporting framework. 

As part of this review, it was important that we checked back in with the community to make sure its priorities were still being captured in our Council plans. 

Community Surveys were distributed to all residents of Corowa Shire during March 2013 and almost 100 responses were received.

This consultation process has reinforced the things that are most important to the community. In reviewing the feedback, Council found that key priority areas generally remained the same as previously identified by the initial consultation completed last year.

The feedback provided by the community has continued to form the basis of Council's plans which have been updated following the review.

The Draft Community Strategic Plan, 2023 and beyond, Draft Delivery Program 2013-2017 and the Draft Operational Plan 2013/2014 can all be viewed below. Council welcomes feedback on these plans until Tuesday 18 June 2013.

Delivery Program 2013 – 2017 and Operational Plan 2013/2014

The Delivery Program is a statement of commitment to the community from Council and outlines how Council will implement the Community Strategic Plan, 2023 and beyond.

It is the point where the community's strategic goals are translated into actions. The focus is centred on providing services and facilities that deliver the community's priorities.

Incorporated into the Delivery Program is Council's annual Operational Plan. This spells out the details of the Delivery Program – the individual projects and activities that will be undertaken to achieve the commitments made in the Delivery Program.

Council will need to continue to work closely with the community and other government bodies in order to implement priorities outlined in these plans.

Financial Plan 2013/2014

The Operational Plan and Delivery Program include a four year Financial Plan, which was also presented at the May Council Meeting.

The Financial Plan directly relates to the actions set within the Community Strategic Plan, Delivery Program and Operational Plan.

A key aspect of the Integrated Planning and Reporting process has involved the integration with Council's Asset Management Plans and the significant financial requirements attached to the maintenance of Council's existing infrastructure which includes over 15,000 community assets.

These assets are placing extreme demands on Councils resources, particularly because of the age of the infrastructure. Other limiting factors to Councils operations include:

• Ageing population and large pensioner base which requires Council to provide a significant rebate equating to an annual Council contribution of at least $250,000 per annum
• Unpaid rates and charges of more than $700,000 (7.5% of the total)
• Increasing energy costs (annual increase assumed of 10% but a number of reviews are being undertaken to reduce this cost)
• Award wage increases (3.25%)
• Rising insurance costs (annual increase limited to 2.5% as measures are being taken to limit this increase) and increased risk management expenses
• CPI (2.5%)
• Rising construction costs
• Escalating waste management expenses, with a projected loss of $270,000 during the next financial year
• Cost shifting from other levels of Government
• Increasing community expectations

As such, Council has submitted an application to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Authority (IPART) to raise the general rate above the rate pegging limit to 7.0% commencing from the 2013/2014 financial year. The status of this application will not be known until mid June 2013 and therefore Council has prepared two financial plans which have both been adopted for public exhibition.

A rate rise in accordance with the rate pegging limit of 3.4% for the 2013/2014 financial year would raise an additional $140,501. A further 3.6% rate rise above the rate pegging limit would raise an additional $148,766, bringing the total additional income estimate to $289,267.

If Council's application to IPART is not successful, the following expenditure and activities will be removed:

 Operational Plan & Delivery Program Highlights...

Almost $6,000,000 capital works on Roads and drainage and footpaths throughout the Shire (2013/2014)

• Corowa Saleyards redevelopment and expansion at $2,733,000 (2013/2014)
• The Corowa Swimming Pool at $1,250,000 (2015/2016)
• A long term savings program needed for new multi-million dollar Sewerage Treatment Plants in Corowa and Howlong
• An annual contribution towards the implementation of the Howlong Lowe Square Recreation Master Plan at $58,300
• An annual contribution towards the implementation of the Lonsdale Reserve Master Plan of $45,000
• An annual contribution to the implementation of the Corowa Riverfront Master Plan at $50,000
• Playground improvements at $150,000
• Establishment of a Howlong Library
• Approximately $400,000 towards Sporting grounds and more than $600,000 towards parks and gardens
• Annual Community Grants Program at $30,000
• Annual Tourism Grants Program at $20,000
• Ongoing tourism, community development and economic development resources and programs totalling over $650,000

Feedback should be submitted by 5.00pm Tuesday 18 June 2013 in writing to: Corowa Shire Council, General Manager PO Box 77 Corowa NSW 2646 or email council@corowa.nsw.gov.au

Draft Community Strategic Plan (3173 KB)

Draft Delivery Program and Operational Plan 2013 - 2017 (2312 KB)

Draft Financial Plan (162 KB)

Draft Revenue Policy (913 KB)