Budget delivers community support and plans for a sustainable future

Published on 19 August 2020

Burnie City Council adopted its 2020-21 Annual Plan & Budget Estimates at last night’s Council meeting. 

Burnie City Council Mayor Steve Kons said, “The Burnie community like all communities around the world, has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Council is conscious of these impacts and has previously adopted a Community Support Package to assist Burnie ratepayers and residents as we transition to a new normal. Council’s community support package is fully funded in Council’s 2020-21 Annual Plan and Budget Estimates. 

“Although our projections into the future are as good as they can be at this point in time, the assumptions that underpin our projections are subject to change. We are cautiously optimistic, but due to the uncertainly surrounding COVID-19 this may change. 

“Council’s Community Support Package includes applying no increase to rates and charges for 2020/21, extending the early payment discount date and extensions to Council’s rates instalment dates. Council has also adopted a Financial Hardship Assistance Policy to assist those ratepayers who are going through severe financial hardship. 

“Council’s operating budget has also been impacted by COVID-19 with the Council expecting a deficit of 

$2.185m in 2020-21. $1.592m of the deficit relates to one-off impacts in the 2020-21 year including the anticipated loss of the TasWater dividend $0.828m in 2020-21, the cost of Council’s community support package $0.513m and impacts of COVID-19 on Council’s revenue streams $0.226m.   

“COVID-19 has significantly impacted a number of Council’s revenue streams, with revenues at many Council facilities including the Burnie Arts & Function Centre, Visitor Information Centre, Burnie Regional Art Gallery, Burnie Regional Museum and Council’s parking operations being impacted by the state border closure and social distancing restrictions. 

“Council’s financial position continues to be strong and Council will be well placed to meet its commitments comfortably. The net worth of Council as at 30 June 2021 is expected to be $425.6m. 

“Council is continually focused on infrastructure that will support the needs of the region into the future. Council’s 2021 budget includes a capital works program of $13.2m including $5.6m in new infrastructure spending. New projects focus on creating an attractive place to live, work and play through building stronger communities and promoting a broad range of quality leisure, recreational and sporting opportunities. These values are consistent with our community strategic plan Making Burnie 2030 that we are working toward. New projects include the fourth stage in the widening of Mooreville Road $0.432m, Bay and Linton Street upgrades $0.630m, upgrades to the Oakleigh Park fountain $0.213m, new toilets and change rooms at South Burnie Beach $0.296m and pump and cycle tracks at the View Road Reserve $0.410m. 

 “Council is committed to working with the community throughout the COVID-19 challenge and will be working towards a sustainable future budget position. I thank my fellow Councillors and Council staff for their significant effort and contribution to this budget.  I look forward to Council delivering the outcomes of the Annual Plan and Budget for the coming year.”