Pools SRV decision next week

14 November 2019

Council will consider a report outlining feedback on the six-pool goal of Council (adopted in 2017) and funding options through a proposed Special Rate Variation (SRV) to cover the future operation, maintenance and upgrade costs associated with the Shire’s pools at its meeting next Wednesday.

The report outlines all sources of feedback on the six pools and the funding proposal. Of the options presented in the report, the recommendation to Council if they wish to continue to commit to the six-pool goal is that Council applies to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) for a rate increase of 11% (inclusive of the rate peg), that if successful would come into effect on 1 July 2020.

However, Council will consider all the feedback and funding options outlined in the report and some variations on those options, including that Council not apply for an SRV, before deciding on a way forward.

The report follows a community engagement process conducted over several months, including the public exhibition of the draft Swimming Pools Strategy Discussion Paper, surveys, public information sessions, signage, media releases and briefings, and social media posts.

If Council decides next week to apply for an SRV in any form, it is required to advise IPART of its intentions by 29 November 2019, after which further community engagement will be undertaken before the formal application is resolved by Council in early February (to be lodged before 10 February 2020).

IPART will then consider the application against a set of assessment criteria including evidence that the community is aware of the need for and extent of the rate variation.

To view the business paper for next week’s meeting, including the report to Council on the proposed SRV and the consultation summary report, visit www.begavalley.nsw.gov.au/councilmeetings

Photo: Bega swimming pool is one of the six pools operating in the Bega Valley Shire Council.

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