Draft Annual Business Plan Open for Community Comment

Coorong residents and ratepayers are invited to view and provide comment on Coorong District Council’s draft 2021/22 Annual Business Plan & Budget, which is now open for consultation.

Having taken into account community needs and aspirations that were captured through development of the 2021-25 Community Vision Plan earlier in the year, the draft 2021/22 Annual Business Plan and Budget will incorporate strategies and actions that reflect the longer term objectives of the district.

Mayor Paul Simmons is encouraging all Coorong residents to read the draft Plan and provide written feedback by Friday, 23 July 2021.

“This draft Annual Business Plan and Budget reflects what our community has told us is important,” says Mayor Simmons.

“The next 12 months will see Coorong District Council take a back-to-basics approach, with a primary focus on delivering key infrastructure projects and core services.

“We are fortunate to have received significant grant funding from the federal government for projects that seek to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure which will support jobs and the resilience of our local community.”

Key initiatives and projects for 2021/22 include:

• Development of a district-wide Growth Strategy
• Conduct a ‘Footpath Gap Analysis’ across all towns
• Implementation of stage one of the High Risk Intersection Upgrades project
• Build skate park at Meningie
• Refurbish Coonalpyn Swimming Pool building
• Complete a Reconciliation Action Plan
• Implement findings of the Elector Representation Review

Taking into account the results of a rating review undertaken in early 2021, delivery of key projects and services will be balanced against the need to continue working towards financial sustainability in a fair and equitable way.

A modest 2% rate increase for 2021/22 has been proposed, which will be balanced by a decreased $250 fixed charge (down from $360 in 2020/21).

This is further supported by a 10% rate cap, and availability of a comprehensive rates hardship package for residents.

Public consultation on the 2021/22 Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget is now open and will close at 9:00am on Friday, 23 July 2021.

Residents are encouraged to attend one of five Community Information Sessions being held across the district in July to find out more about the draft Annual Business Plan and Budget first-hand.

The draft 2021/22 Annual Business Plan and Budget is available to view on Coorong District Council’s website or by visiting any Coorong District Council office.

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Contact:

Bridget Mather
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER | COORONG DISTRICT COUNCIL
Phone: 1300 785 277 | E: bmather@coorong.sa.gov.au

Community Information Sessions

Residents are invited to attend a community information session on the draft 2021/22 Annual Business Plan:

• Tintinara Council Chambers, 6pm, Wednesday 14 July 2021
• Peake & District Sporting Club, 6pm, Monday 19 July 2021
• Coorong Civic Centre, Tailem Bend, 6pm, Tuesday 20 July 2021
• Meningie Bowling Club, 6pm, Wednesday 21 July 2021
• Coonalpyn Community Hall, 6pm, Thursday 22 July 2021