Council has placed on public exhibition its draft Management Plan for the 2009-12 period. The Management Plan includes a summary of Council's planned activities for the period. Of special interest is the proposal to seek the Ministers approval for a special variation to the general rates to deliver the following:
- An 8.76% increase to the general rate yield inclusive of the 3.5% rate pegged cap.
- $450,000 of that general rate variation, to be levied across all rate categories and quarantined for the purpose of improvements to sporting and recreational facilities and access to community facilities. Those funds to be applied through assignment to sporting and recreation groups in accord with the “Community Partnership Principles” and through Council’s Access Committee.
- $350,000 of that general rate variation, to be levied across all rate categories ($200,000) and business rate category ($150,000) and be quarantined for the purpose of economic and tourism development. Those funds to be applied in accord with the draft position statement on tourism, noting Council’s intent to enter a service agreement with Sapphire Coast Tourism, whereby the initial allocation to the board of $230,000 in 2009/2010 be reduced to $150,000 indexed within 5 years. The balance will progressively be added to further investment in economic development and related infrastructure.