ADDITIONAL loans of $335,000 will be sought by Robe District Council in this new financial year.
The council adopted its 2017/18 budget and associated fees and charges at a special meeting recently.
It was endorsed by Mayor Peter Riseley and the five other elected members during the forum which lasted 35 minutes.
The draft document was released for public comment over a month ago and deputy chief executive Nick Brown said no significant changes to the business plan and budget were made.
Council also accepted a staff recommendation the meeting be closed to the public during consideration of a cleaning tender.
It was decided to award the tender to HACCP Australia.
Mr Riseley said the 2017/18 budget balances the need to manage the impact of the budget upon ratepayers with the need to upgrade and maintain assets council manages on behalf of the community.
He said Robe District Council had $94.56m of community assets and infrastructure which need to be in usable condition for the community and his council would continue to invest in asset and infrastructure renewal and maintenance.
“In 2017/18 council will be undertaking $3.5m of capital works,” Mr Riseley said.
“The renewal of the Fisherman’s Wharf and straddle lift jetty at the Lake Butler Marina will ensure the port can still function as a working port servicing both the professional fishing fleet and owners of recreational boats.
“The redevelopment of the Robe Medical Centre which will secure the provision of medical and allied health services to the town and district for the future.
“The upgrading the foreshore at Robe including the reconstruction of the beach access ramp and stone wall at main beach will ensure that one of the town’s premier tourist attractions is up to standard and the community assets along the foreshore are protected from storm surge and sea level rise.”
Mr Riseley said the redevelopment of the main beach public toilets would bring them up to current standards and ensure they can service the increasing numbers of visitors to the town.
“The CWMS (effluent management) system will continue to be upgraded as well as the rural road re-sheeting program,” he said.
“This is a long term project to improve the condition of the district’s rural unsealed roads.
“As well as these major projects, we will be undertaking minor asset upgrades and new works to the cemetery, institute, and town footpaths.
“Council will be funding its operational services and capital projects within a modest rate rise of 2.3pc effluent charge rise of 2pc and limited loan borrowings estimated to be $335,000.
“These rates and charges increases will be offset within the township by a reduction in the waste levy of 15pc on average per property as a result of council being able to reduce its (rubbish collection) costs.
“I would like to assure all members of the community the elected members are aware of the importance of prudent financial management and take the task very seriously on behalf of the ratepayers.”
