Eurobodalla Mayor says he's proud of council's budget

Eurobodalla Mayor Mathew Hatcher is happy with Council’s actions. Photo: ESC.

Eurobodalla Shire Council Mayor Mathew Hatcher says he’s proud of the council’s success in addressing the deficit in its budget.

Councillors welcomed an improving financial outlook as the 2024-25 budget was approved at a recent council meeting.

“We’ve worked very hard to communicate our financial position and current and future work plans in different forums across the shire,” Cr Hatcher said. “This has been well received. People have been interested and understanding – it’s very much about transparency and accountability. It feels good to be ending this council term with a focus on financial stewardship while still delivering the services the community expects.”

Mayor Hatcher said advocacy by the council played a role in recent State Government support for the shire, which included the $253.7 million boost to the state planning system, and a slice of the $200 million package for health-worker accommodation, which will assist with an increased workforce at the new Eurobodalla regional hospital.

“We’ve long been advocating around on-site nursing accommodation at the new hospital. Until now, there’s been some pushback, so it’s great to see our efforts have had an effect. Certainly, any investment in housing and in streamlining the state’s planning portal to reduce costs and time lags is very welcome.”

General manager Warwick Winn said there were reductions in a few services in the budget but they were overall modest and a better reflection of the work the council could actually achieve.

According to Mr Winn, there is still a strong focus on footpaths and roads but by scrapping one urban road renewal project and reducing the annual road resealing from 35 km to 30 km, $17.4 million will be spent for 2024-25 and more than a quarter of a million dollars will be saved.

The grading of unsealed roads will occur every nine months instead of every six months, saving $365,000.

Setting aside sports fields and popular parks, mowing will be reduced from a three-week to a four-week cycle which will save $178,000.

“These figures better reflect the work staff can actually get done. It’s the practical, prioritised approach we’ve taken across the entire organisation,” Mr Winn said.

“The mayor and councillors have shown strong guidance and leadership on the financial front, saving Eurobodalla ratepayers from the large rate increases facing our neighbours. They’ve made tough decisions and embraced a financial stewardship model that will see our council living within its means and on a path to financial sustainability.”