Council News 17 April 2019

Council News 17 April 2019

COUNCIL NEWS 17 APRIL 2019

The 2019/2020 Operational Plan process is in progress with an estimates workshop held on Thursday 28 March, 2019 and an extra-ordinary meeting held Thursday, 11 April 2019. The meeting was held to determine priorities and funding for various projects and facilitate the development of the draft 2019/2020 Operational Plan.   The draft Operational Plan will be presented to the May 2019 Council meeting before being placed on public exhibition and presented to the June 2019 Council Meeting for formal adoption.

The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal of NSW (IPART) has announced a 2.7% rate pegging limit for Councils for the 2019/2020 financial year. The rate peg is determined by IPART using the Local Government Cost Index (LGCI) with the main contributors to LGCI over the year ending September 2018 being:

increase of 2.4% in employee benefits and on-costs, measured by the ABS wage price index for the NSW public sector increase of 14.4% in electricity and street lighting charges, measured by the ABS consumer price index for electricity costs – Sydney, and increase of 2.4% in construction works – roads, drains, footpaths, kerbing, bridges costs, measured by the ABS producer price index for roads and bridge construction – NSW.

The rate pegging limit of 2.7% is up from 2.3% for the 2018/2019 financial year which reflects the increase in the LGCI.  It needs to be noted that the LGCI only reflects movements in underlying costs. It does not reflect increased costs arising from the need to expand services to meet growing demands or the need to increase infrastructure spending to address backlogs or growth. These needs are to be met by way of special rate variations (SRV) under the Local Government Act ,1993 which allows a Council to increase its general income by more than the rate peg.

In this regard the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) has previously approved a special rate variation application from Council to increase our income above the rate peg from 1st July, 2015.  Council subsequently received approval from IPART for four (4) consecutive increases of 6.4% in 2015/2016 and 7% in each year from 2016/2017 to 2018/2019 which all include the rate peg.

This has been generating additional revenue which is assisting Council in funding the new Grenfell Aquatic Centre and Grenfell Medical Centre which are and will be great assets for our community.  It has been previously illustrated that Weddin Shire rates have been historically much lower than surrounding Shires. If we were to remain financially sustainable or viable in the long term it was critical that we applied for and gained approval for this special rate variation.

The decision to apply for a special rate variation was a very good decision. The decision clearly demonstrates that Council is serious about our long term financial sustainability, upgrading our infrastructure assets such as our Aquatic and Medical Centres and remaining as Weddin Shire Council in the long term.

Residents are reminded that the Rural Financial Counselling Service NSW Central Region have advised that Financial Counsellor, John Beer is available to visit Grenfell. The Rural Financial Counselling Service provides free impartial and confidential services to farmers and small agricultural businesses.   They also provide information and assistance with farm innovation funds, natural disaster assistance and can assist in helping clients with a better understanding of their financial position.  Appointments are necessary and can be made on Ph 1800 940 404 or mobile 0408 973 723.

Council has received advice that applications for the NSW Family Energy rebate are now open. NSW Families with dependent children who may be eligible are encouraged to apply for 2018-2019 Family Energy Rebate of up to $180.  The Family Energy Rebate is one of a number of NSW Government energy assistance programs to help eligible households reduce the impact of energy costs.  For more information visit or to fill out an application form visit https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-family-energy-rebate-supply-customers Applications close Thursday 20 June 2019.

The Grenfell Picnic races were held last Saturday 13 April, 2019 in glorious weather conditions and were an outstanding success with a very large crowd in attendance at the Grenfell race track. Congratulations to the organising committee who put in many hours of hard work prior to and on the day of the races to ensure the outstanding success of the event.

The new exhibition at the Grenfell Art Gallery is "Landscape Shadows" by Cathie Coleman and is on display from 16 April to 30 May 2019.

Cathie has lived, taught and made art at her Bittern studio on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria for many years. Her recent paintings encompass a play of light and dark within the landscape which creates an emotive response. Cathie's paintings emerge from her observation and interest in the breadth of the land around her, through a realist beginning to a landscape painting rich in feelings, secrets, shapes, patterns and colours. Cathie also designs one off jewellery pieces which will be featured in her exhibition - including sterling silver rings, neck pieces with silver, leather, silver chain of varying links and semi precious and collected beads.

The Art Gallery is open Monday to Friday 10am - 4pm, Saturday 10am - 3pm & Sunday 10am -2pm.

The next film to be screened at the Grenfell Cinema will be “Fantastic Beasts: The crimes of Grindelwald” on Thursday 18 April 1.45pm for a 2pm start –2019.  Please see the adjacent advertisement for further details.

Dates to Note

Friday 19 April 2019 - Recycling Collection (Grenfell East)

Monday 22 April 2019 - Recycling Collection (Grenfell West)

 

Street Stalls

Thursday 18 April 2019 - Grenfell Uniting Church Women’s Fellowship

Wednesday 24 April 2019 – Grenfell Rodeo

WEDDIN SHIRE COUNCIL

COLLECTION OF GARBAGE AND TRADE WASTE

EASTER 2019

Grenfell residents and business houses are advised that the collection of garbage and recycling will remain as normal over the Easter period.

The Grenfell Tip will operate under normal hours over the Easter break.

WEDDIN SHIRE COUNCIL

GRENFELL EAST GARBAGE COLLECTION

ANZAC DAY 2019

Residents and business houses are advised the garbage will be collected Wednesday 24 April, 2019. There will be no garbage collection ANZAC Day Thursday 25 April, 2019.

WEDDIN SHIRE COUNCIL

DROUGHT COMMUNITIES PROGRAM (DCP)

COMMUNITY CONSULTATION

Weddin Shire Council has been granted $1m grant funding under the Federal, Liberal and National Governments Drought Communities Program (DCP) and residents are invited to provide feedback to Council on where the funding could be spent.

Residents are requested to provide feedback or suggestions to Council by 4pm Thursday 18 April, 2019 to Email or the address below.

Further information in regards to the DCP is available at: www.business.gov.au/assistance/drought-communities-programme

 

April Movies

Come and enjoy a movie or two

Free entry. Booking of seats is preferred.

FOGL will be running a candy bar.

No hot food or alcohol allowed

Bring your own bean bag or cushion for comfort. Chairs are provided.

Sessions

Thursday 18 April 1.45pm for a 2pm start – Fantastic Beasts: The crimes of Grindelwald

Friday 26 April 1.45 for a 2pm start – Mary Poppins Returns

PO BOX 125                                                                                                 AUTHORISED BY

GRENFELL                                                                                                     GLENN CARROLL

                                                                                                                      GENERAL MANAGER