Our Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget for 2024/25 reflects a proposed average rate increase of 4.25% plus 2% to double tree canopy coverage which will increase the number of trees we plant each year to grow our City’s canopy making it a cooler place to be in summer.
When drafting our budget for community consultation, we have considered the needs of our community from both a service delivery, and a financially responsible position.
In working through the 24/25 Budget, we remain committed to identifying savings and reducing expenditure where possible, balancing service levels with the increased pressure on cost of living that we know is affecting many in our community.
The draft average rate increase is due to the City of Charles Sturt’s cost escalating across a range of building materials, services and labour costs. In addition the tree canopy is an important focus for our community, with improved tree canopy, open space, greening, and biodiversity all being key areas of interest within our community.
Our community is relying on action to reverse the decline in our overall tree canopy to respond to the impacts of climate change and urban heat island effects. As part of our 24/25 budget, an extra 3,000 trees will be planted to support an increase in our tree canopy, at a cost of $805k for the next financial year.
This investment, and the Draft Budget’s suggested projects, are to ensure we provide assets, value and services for our community now and into the future.
Also included in the Draft Budget for consultation:
- Continued frequent verge cutting through the spring period
- $27.175m towards roads, footpaths, lighting and stormwater renewal and upgrade
- $16.04m on sporting clubs, property, and Open Space projects, which includes $1.615m to Woodville South Sports Club Changeroom updates
- $5.228m in 2024/25 in a multi-year project towards the new Ngutungka Henley (Henley Library and Community Centre) for a total cost of $11.219m
- $1.548m in additional greening and climate initiatives of which $1.214m is for Tree canopy
- $2.5m for a Power Purchase agreement (PPA) to supply and install solar panels on Council buildings to supply electricity into the PPA system and power to Council & Sporting Club operations
- $631k in grant funding toward grants to support community and business
Consultation on the Draft Budget closed as of 5pm on Friday, 3 May 2024.