Council’s Plan for the Year Ahead Adopted

At the 22 June 2023 Council meeting, Council adopted its Operational Plan and Budget 2023-24 and Delivery Program 2023-26 Update, and Long-Term Financial Plan 2023-33.

These documents set out how Council will work towards achieving the commitments in the Moree Plains Shire Community Strategic Plan 2022-32 (CSP) and outline what activities Council will undertake during this term of Council.

Moree Plains Shire Council Mayor Mark Johnson said, “During the month of May, Councillors and staff met with community members across the Shire to present and discuss the Draft Budget and Council’s proposed activities. With the community’s help, Council have worked hard to develop a budget that will meet the Shire’s needs now and into the future.”

Council is budgeting a $430,704 surplus in 2023-24, with a breakdown of the surplus in the following funds, General Fund $188,632, Water Fund $35,332, Sewer Fund $206,740.

Mayor Mark Johnson is very satisfied with Council’s Budget and Plans, stating “With this budget surplus resulting from Council’s sound financial management, we are in a strong position to deliver priority projects in the coming years to cater for the planned exponential economic and social growth across the Moree Plains.”

“With record-level investment in rural roads, water infrastructure and significant improvements to much-loved community facilities, we are making our Shire a more vibrant and desirable place to be.”

Some highlights of the Budget are $86million for capital and non-capital projects including $12.5million to finish the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre; $500,000 for improving our village halls; $7.7million towards our parks and sports fields across the Shire; and $40,000 for a new Events Partnership Fund to help support local organisations to deliver community events.

“We also know a safe and reliable road network is critical for our community”, added Mayor Johnson.

“That is why we have increased Council-funded expenditure on the rural roads network by $1.1million over the last two years (a 14% increase), bringing the total up to $8.9million, which is 17.85% of general rates revenue. Council-funded rural road resheeting has increased by 40% over the same period bringing the total up to $840,000 ($2.35million including grant funding). In addition, Council is spending $25million in flood recovery works and $800,000 for Council’s rural roads self help program, so we can better support and partner with landholders to improve local roads.”

Council’s rates and charges will be increased to subsidise improvements to the Shire’s essential services. Council has also adopted this year’s general rate increase of 3.7% which is set by IPART. This is less than the current CPI of 7%.

“In light of the fees and charges increase, I am pleased to announce that there will be no increase to entry fees to the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre (MAAC) while the facility is being upgraded”, added Mayor Johnson.

View the Operational Plan and Budget 2023-24 and Budget Snapshots