Council Approves Ambitious $109 Million Budget and Operational Plan
Published on 28 June 2024
The Bellingen Shire Council has officially approved its 2024/25 Budget and Operational Plan at the June Ordinary Meeting of Council, marking a significant milestone in the Shire's commitment to connectivity, creativity, and sustainability.
The $109 million (M) plan, which includes a historic $66.2M investment in the Capital Works Program, aims to enhance service delivery and infrastructure across the region. The investment in the Capital Works Program is the largest the Shire has ever seen, with an additional $43.2M budgeted for maintaining and renewing assets and providing operational services.
Mayor Cr. Steve Allan expressed his enthusiasm about the approved plan, stating, "We are excited to share our progress, budget and plans for the future of the Shire through the 2024/25 Operational Plan. This substantial investment reflects our dedication to building a more connected, creative, and sustainable community."
General Manager Mark Griffioen echoed this sentiment, stating, "Our commitment to service delivery and infrastructure improvements not only meets the needs of our residents but also paves the way for a more sustainable and assured future for the Shire. This year, we've enhanced budget transparency, allowing the community to see how projects are funded and how their rates and other government funding have been utilised, holding us accountable to our commitments."
What you need to know about Council reporting and decision making?
The revised 2022/26 Delivery Program and the 2024/25 Operational Plan are integral in our work towards the Bellingen Shire Community Vision 2035 which is a community consultation process that is reviewed every 2 years and seeks to understand the community's needs and values. The Council will raise $80.6M in revenue from various sources to fund these projects in 2024/25. The breakdown of this revenue includes 46% from capital grants, 25% from rates and annual charges, 15% from user charges and fees, 10% from operating grants, 3% from interest and investment revenue, and 1% from other revenues. We are committed to transparency in our financial planning and reporting, providing regular updates and opportunities for community input to ensure alignment with our collective community vision for the Shire.
Highlights of the 2024/25 budget - Capital Works
2024/25 Sewerage Upgrades for Coastal Villages
We're excited to have started the "Sewering Coastal Villages Project", with a budget allocation of $27 million in the next financial year, to upgrade sewer systems for coastal communities and protect the Kalang and Bellinger Rivers. The first phase will enhance the Urunga Sewage Treatment Plant, preparing it to serve Raleigh and Mylestom. This project underscores our dedication to improving infrastructure and safeguarding natural waterways.
Kalang Rd progress shot
2024/25 Road Renewals
The 2024/25 Road Renewals program has allocated $13.8M, with $1.6M dedicated to the Sealed Roads Heavy Patching & Resealing Program, targeting council and regional roads like Coramba Road and Tyringham Road. An additional $11.7M will fund key projects such as Kalang Road Rehabilitation ($4.1M), Darkwood, Valery & Timboon Road Betterment ($4M), and the Urunga CBD Upgrade ($1M). Various urban and rural roads will also undergo patching, resealing, and rehabilitation to enhance road safety and infrastructure quality.
2024/25 Bridge Renewal Program
Our Fixing Country Bridges Program invests $8.3M in 2024/25. It focuses on replacing seven critical bridges, such as Duffys ($250,000), Hobarts ($2M), and Joyces ($2.2M). Scheduled repairs include Capararos ($120,000) and Tyson bridge ($180,000) with this funding. This initiative will result in 31 concrete bridges with 100-year lifespans across the entirety of this project, enhancing road safety and infrastructure quality as per community needs and service levels.
2024/25 Special Projects
The 2024/25 budget dedicates $6.9M to special projects, with a significant focus on Connell Park precinct upgrades, allocating $3.18M for park drainage, surface improvements, amenities upgrade, footbridge paths, and lighting at the sporting facility. Other notable projects include the Urunga Boardwalk Upgrade ($2M) and the Mylestom Tidal Pool Refurbishment ($386,000). Additional upgrades encompass facilities like Cedar Park, Brierfield Hall, and the Bellingen Museum, alongside various footpath, kerb, cycleway, and stormwater renewal projects across the region. These investments aim to enhance community amenities, infrastructure, and overall quality of life, ensuring sport and recreation facilities are available to support healthy communities.
This year, the Council has introduced a detailed breakdown of the Capital Works Program for 2024/25(PDF, 3MB) against the budget breakdown.
Highlights of the 2024/25 budget – Service Delivery
Outside the capital works budget, Council plans to spend $43.2M on asset maintenance, and delivering services, including Customer Service, Regulatory Services, Environment, Community Services, Water & Wastewater, Recreation, Transport Maintenance, Economic Development, and Tourism and more.
2024/25 Beach and lifesaving services
Council will allocate $232,203 in the new budget for lifeguard services, beach maintenance, and support for Hungry Head and North Beach Surf Clubs, ensuring coastal areas are managed for recreation and land protection.
2024/25 Environment and Waste Services
The 2024/25 budget allocates $5.73M to waste services, environmental protection and stormwater management. This budget also includes our weeds management programs, biodiversity and sustainability programs funded through the Environmental Levy, and we will continue to implement our Climate Emergency Response Framework, Corporate Carbon Plan and our Community Climate Action Plan, ensuring that we are considering environmental impacts across all levels of the organisation and the Shire.
2024/25 Seniors Support
With 26.8% of the Shire's population aged 65 and over, Council dedicates $687,639 in the 2024/25 budget to support seniors and residents with disabilities. The Dorrigo Support Centre plays a crucial role in providing essential services to plateau seniors, ensuring they stay connected and supported in a region with limited support services and facilities. Further to this, Council will start to implement the Ageing Well Strategy that was adopted by Council in June.
2024/25 Library Services
Council supports three Shire libraries with $806,257, in partnership with Clarence Valley Regional Library Network. The new Clarence Regional Library Strategic Plan aims to enhance spaces, services, collections, and community engagement, fostering a love of books and gathering spaces across the Shire.
2024/25 Memorial Hall – Community Space
The Bellingen Memorial Hall remains a key focus for Council, aiming to maximize the benefits of recent renovations. This enhanced performance space offers unmatched capabilities and versatility while preserving its community feel. Council subsidises the hall for community events, workshops, and weekly classes, ensuring it remains accessible for all. Last year, Council provided $66,905 in community and not-for-profit subsidies to maintain this accessibility, a commitment that will continue through our rates and charges in the new financial year.
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024/25 Youth Services
In the budget, $292,849 has been allocated for Youth and Children Services. A significant portion of this funding supports the Neighbourhood Centres of the Bellingen Shire in running the Bello Youth Hub. Council is committed to ensuring that the youth have spaces where their voices are heard and represented. The Bello Youth Hub excels in coordinating activities, support, and meal nights for young people across the Shire, fostering a sense of community and encouraging their contributions to the Shire's future.
2024/25 Community Services
Council's commitment to supporting all community members is evidenced in next year's financial allocation of $386,584 in the budget. This funding goes towards community events, supporting our valued volunteers, our commitment to the arts, indigenous programs and the delivery of the Disability and Inclusion Action Plan.
2024/25 Community Grants
Council invites community project proposals across Creative Placemaking, Community Support, and Event Sponsorship Funds. $50,000 annually supports these grants, open to all applicants. Additionally, the Environmental Levy Community grants will fund $25,000 in projects addressing invasive plants, biodiversity, coastline management, sustainable food, and climate change.
The full reports and details on the new financial year budget and operational plan can be found here