BERRI Barmera Council has reopened public feedback on its Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget due to an error with how the first consultation was run.
At a special meeting held last Thursday, council voted to extend consultation until July 21 in accordance with Section 123 of the Local Government Act 1999.
Council closed the initial consultation period on June 23, being 21 days after the notice appeared on council’s website rather than 21 days after it appeared in the June 9 edition of the Murray Pioneer.
Under the Act, councils are required to allow at least 21 days from the publication of a notice in a local newspaper and on a council website.
For the 2021/22 financial year, council has frozen its rate in the dollar and placed a 1.5 per cent cap on rate rises through increased capital values for residential properties.
The cap aims to negate some of the impact of a 5.8 per cent hike in property values by the Valuer-General.
“Council’s priority is to minimise council rate rises yet maintain its financially sustainable position while still delivering projects and services relevant to the community’s needs,” said Karyn Burton, council CEO.
Council’s project priorities for the upcoming financial year include:
- Construction of multisport unisex changerooms and oval lighting upgrades in Barmera (Federal and State Government funded).
- Continuation of the Lake Bonney Nature and Cultural Tourism Project (Caring for Country).
- Streetscape Design of McGilton Road, William and Denny Streets and the continuation of Riverview Drive.
- Roads to Recovery funded road construction – Swinstead Road, Loveday.
- Upgrades to public toilets at Overland Corner and Martin Bend, to ensure disability access to both facilities.
- Community Wastewater Management Scheme (CWMS) Pump Station Upgrade in Barmera.
- Ongoing renewal of all infrastructure assets including buildings, roads, footpaths, kerbing, CWMS, stormwater and plant.
A copy of the Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget can be found on council’s website (www.berribarmera.sa.gov.au/documents-and-forms/public-consultation) along with details regarding making a submission.
Hard copies of the plan are available from council offices, and community members are invited call the council office on 8582 1922 to make a time with Ms Burton to discuss the document.
Consultation closes on Wednesday, July 21, 2021 at 5pm.