Wingecarribee Shire Council is making significant progress on key projects and initiatives, according to the latest Quarterly Delivery and Budget Review presented at Wednesday's Ordinary Meeting.
This report underscores the significant strides made in achieving the objectives outlined in the Council's Delivery Program and Operational Plan 2023/24 during the March 2024 quarter. It emphasises notable advancements in various services, all aligned with the five themes of the Community Strategic Plan.
Notably, the report reveals that 15% of the deliverables have already been successfully completed, with an impressive 64% progressing steadily according to schedule, highlighting the collaborative efforts across all departments.
“We know that our Council team are committed to making a positive impact locally and have continued to deliver a range of projects, programs and services with amazing results, and it's great to see the outcomes of this work,” said Lisa Miscamble, General Manager, Wingecarribee Shire Council.
Early Wins for Community Priorities
- Enhanced Councillor Candidate Sessions and Induction Program: Preparing for the September elections.
- Community Murals Project: Engaging youth with collaborations across the Shire.
- Mobile Community Recycling Centre: Launched in January making recycling more convenient across the community.
- Driver Awareness Signs: Installed on key roads to reduce wildlife roadkill.
- Australia Day Success: Berrima celebration attracted 4,000-5,000 attendees with the return of the parade.
- Increased Transparency: Launch and continued development of the Application Tracker, offering better visibility into the Development Application process.
Next quarter, we can also see the return of the popular Careers and Council Expo, which will take place in May.
Major Infrastructure Project
The Bowral Sewerage Treatment Plant is progressing well and work on our largest infrastructure project to date, the Moss Vale Sewerage Treatment Plant, continues to progress, with the design completed and the tender for construction works announced at this week's Ordinary Council Meeting.
Economic Boost
Regarding the economy, the report highlights the success of Berrima's Australia Day celebration, which welcomed 4,000 to 5,000 attendees and included the reintroduction of the Australia Day Parade. Council is committed to consistently promoting the region, attracting events, and engaging the community, ultimately contributing to the prosperity of Wingecarribee Shire.
During the period from January 1 to March 31 2024, the Council received notification of successful outcomes for three grant applications totalling $1,739,190, further bolstering our initiatives and projects.
Finance and Budget Update
This week's Council meeting included our quarterly budget review to the end of March 2024. All is tracking well, and it is anticipated that at the end of the financial year, Council's unrestricted working capital will be approximately $6 million, exceeding the benchmark of $5 million. For full details, visit https://www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/Council/Policies-Strategies-and-Reports/Council-Reports/Progress-Reports
Council prioritises financial transparency and accountability. Our financial statements are audited by the Audit Office of NSW, and prior to the September 2024 election, draft statements will be presented for audit. The independent Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) will also review them before finalisation.
Wingecarribee Shire Council maintains a strong financial position. Notably, the Council received an unmodified audit opinion for the year ending June 30, 2023, submitting statements well within the deadline. This distinction places us among the top 47% of councils achieving this level of transparency and accountability. https://www.audit.nsw.gov.au/our-work/reports/local-government-2023
Together, we are building a stronger Wingecarribee Shire!