Draft 2023/24 Annual Business Plan, Budget and Long Term Financial Plan

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Consultation has concluded

Draft 2023/24 Annual Business Plan, Budget & Long Term Financial Plan

On Tuesday 11 July Council adopted the 2023/2024 Annual Business Plan, Budget and Long-Term Financial Plan.

A message from Mayor Dr Heather Holmes-Ross

On behalf of the City of Mitcham, I present the 2023/2024 Annual Business Plan, Budget and Long-Term Financial Plan.

The Plan includes several cost neutral climate initiatives and continues to address the impact of climate change through self-funding solar investment opportunities.

In the year ahead we look forward to honouring co-funding commitments to State and Federal governments to progress a range of projects as well as continuing to maintain and improve our community buildings, roads and reserves.

Council is set to increase rates by an average $171 per residence, an average increase of 8.9 per cent. Council has worked especially hard this year to find efficiencies and ongoing savings of $863,000 per annum to help us to deliver existing services at less than the cost of inflation.

Many residents have lowered their cost of living by taking advantage of our solar, battery and virtual power plant collaboration through our Mitcham Community Renewables Program. This program is continuing. Additionally, Council has prioritised our exploration of new ways to lower energy costs for residents and businesses, noting that the power costs are set to increase dramatically by more than 20% from 1 July 2023.

Thank you for your continued support as we work together to create a sustainable, vibrant and connected community.

New and improved services for the community 

Implementing the Brown Hill Keswick Creek Stormwater Master Plan^

Contribution to the Regional Subsidiary to implement the Brown Hill Keswick Creek flood mitigation works.

Installing Solar Panels and a Battery at Belair Community Centre

Install approximately 20kW solar panel array and 25-40kW battery on to the Belair Community Centre Building.

Installing Solar Panels at Tiwu Kumangka

Install approximately 60kW solar panel array on the Tiwu Kumangka building after construction is complete.

Installing Solar Panels and a Battery at the Mitcham RSL

Install approximately 26kW solar panel array and 40kW battery at the Mitcham RSL in Kingswood.

Investing in the Road Asset Renewal Backlog (to be completed by 2027)

Undertake accelerated renewals of our roads to address our backlog by 2027.

Upgrading Drainage and Carparking at AA Bailey Reserve, Clarence Gardens^

Improve drainage and carparking to support a key community asset.

Revitalising Green Spaces in St Marys^

Revitalise green spaces in St Marys including at Thurles Street Reserve.

Upgrading Mortlock Park Oval Facilities, Colonel Light Gardens^

Upgrade the Gil Langley building and supporting facilities at Mortlock Park, Colonel Light Gardens (subject to finalisation of design, further community consultation and heritage considerations).

Upgrading Rozelle Reserve, Melrose Park^

Revitalise Rozelle Reserve in consultation with the community.

Investing in Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD)

Invest in continued implementation of Council’s Smart Water Management Plan through installation of tree inlets and soakage pits across the City in conjunction with kerbing works.

Extending and Upgrading the Stormwater Network

Construction of new/upgraded stormwater infrastructure to improve flood mitigation – prioritised in relation to upgrades associated with road renewal work, stormwater management plans and localised flooding complaints.

Provision of Annual Community Facilities Grants

Continue to provide grant support to community groups with up to $5,000 in matched funding for minor capital improvements to their facilities and grounds that would otherwise not be funded via the other City of Mitcham grant streams.

Additional Open Space Volunteer Coordinator

Additional resource to meet the increasing interest in volunteering in open space sites in the City of Mitcham, to allow additional volunteers to be taken on.

Proposed Extension of the Blackwood Lions Bargain Centre, Eden Hills^

Blackwood Lions’ proposed expansion of sheds, car parking and an online shop at the Council leased site on Shepherds Hill Road Eden Hills.

Maintaining Water Sensitive Urban Design Projects

Increase operating budget to meet maintenance standards for Water Sensitive Urban Designs solutions.

Provision for Minor New Capital Requests in Open Spaces

Funding allocation to respond to requests for minor new open space assets such as new rubbish bins, fences, tables and other park furniture and amenities. Currently there is no budget allocation to respond to such requests.

Upgrade of the Flinders Drive Pedestrian Crossing with Flashing Twin Lights

Upgrade the existing pedestrian crossing at Flinders Drive to include twin flashing lights.

Provision of a Sustainable Living Subsidy Program for Cloth Nappies and Sanitary Products

Introduce a Sustainable Living Subsidy Program for cloth nappies and sanitary products, enabling the community to transition to more sustainable living.

Implementing a Cyber Security Program

Enable auditing, monitoring and management against the various cyber threats, risks and vulnerability that are inherent to an organisation of Councils size.

Christmas Activation at CC Hood Reserve, Panorama

Provide Christmas Activation at CC Hood Reserve each year, including lights, performances, and activities.

Entrance Upgrade and Meeting Room Relocation at Hawthorn Bowling Club, Hawthorn

Relocate and widen the doorway in the south-eastern corner of the building and relocate the adjacent meeting room to north-eastern corner of the building.

Installing a Public Toilet and Storage Facilities at Manson Oval, Bellevue Heights

Construct a new public toilet facility (1 x unisex ambulant cubical and 1 x unisex accessible cubicle) at Manson Oval, Bellevue Heights.

Provision of a Green Buildings Fund

Provide an additional capital allocation to fund green elements for assets that support sustainability outcomes across Council's asset portfolio.

Investment in Spatial Software for Weed Management in the City of Mitcham

Data management of bushland, weed management, chemical usage, job dispatching and contractor reporting.

Implementing the City Image (Signage & Furniture) Pilot Scheme

Comprehensive and coordinated refresh of signage and furniture at up to three targeted parks to test the signage and furniture prototypes in a real world environment.

^ Services/Projects that have received State or Federal Government funding commitments


Download a copy of the Annual Business Plan, Budget and Long Term Financial Plan and 11 July Full Council Meeting.

Consultation

Thank you for your feedback. Consultation is now closed.

The City of Mitcham invited feedback from the community on two options for its draft 2023/24 Annual Business Plan, Budget, and Long-Term Financial Plan.

We are seeking feedback on two options: a 7.84% rate increase; or a rate increase of 8.9%.

Mayor Dr Heather Holmes-Ross said, “The first option of 7.84%, which is lower than CPI, will only deliver our existing services it is important to be aware this does not include the co-funding required to progress the State and Federal government funded projects that are listed below.

“In this draft plan we are also seeking feedback on an option for a rate increase of 8.9% to provide additional new services for people and places as well as continue to deliver on climate change initiatives.”

“A proposed rate increase of 8.9% would allow us to deliver new services for people and places by boosting investment to meet the needs and expectations of our community for reserves, facilities, roads and footpaths as well as continue to address the impact of climate change through water sensitive design, sustainable living programs, green buildings as well as expanding no-cost solar investment opportunities across the City.”

“This option will also fund projects in partnership with Federal and State Government such as enhancing AA Bailey Reserve in Clarence Gardens, Revitalising reserves in St Marys, Upgrading Mortlock Park Oval Facilities in Colonel Light Gardens, upgrading Rozelle Reserve in Melrose Park and extending the Blackwood Lions Bargain Centre.”

To achieve our commitment to the community two rate increase options are being presented; a rate increase of 7.84% to maintain services or a rate increase of up to 8.9% to maintain and improve services. This would result in an average rise for a residential property of approximately $151 for 7.84% and $171 for a rate increase of 8.9%.

Both proposed rate increase options reflect the increased costs of providing existing services to our community and cost shifting. Heather said, “We have worked hard to find almost $900,000 in efficiencies and financial savings.”

The second rate option invites the community to consider if they would like additional new services including:

  • Enhance AA Bailey Reserve, Clarence Gardens
  • Revitalising Reserves in St Marys
  • Upgrade Mortlock Park Oval Facilities, Colonel Light Gardens
  • Upgrade Rozelle Reserve, Melrose Park
  • Continue the Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) Program
  • Extend & upgrade the Stormwater Network
  • Provide Annual Community Facilities Grants
  • Blackwood Lions Bargain Centre, Eden Hills, Proposed Extensions
  • Maintenance of Water Sensitive Urban Design Projects
  • Minor new capital requests in open spaces
  • Flinders Drive Pedestrian Crossing – flashing twin lights upgrade
  • Sustainable Living Subsidy Program – Cloth Nappies Rebate
  • Cyber Security Program
  • CC Hood Reserve, Panorama, Christmas Activation
  • Hawthorn Bowling Club Entrance Upgrade and Meeting Room relocation
  • Manson Oval Public Toilet and Storage Facilities
  • Green Buildings Fund
  • Spatial Software for Weed Management in the City of Mitcham
  • City Image (Signage & Furniture) Pilot Scheme
  • Open Space Volunteer Coordinator

Dr Heather Holmes-Ross, Mayor of the City of Mitcham said, “This draft Plan provides two options, one that maintains our existing services while the other importantly addresses key projects to be delivered in partnership with State and Federal Government, while also offering an opportunity to our community to tell us if they want us to continue to invest more in climate change initiatives.”

“We are sensitive to the impacts on the cost of living to our residents, as we are also experiencing the same impact across our services, and we believe these options deliver substantial value to our community”.

“Feedback from our community is important and I urge all residents to make time to review the draft Annual Business Plan, Budget and Long-Term Financial Plan and provide your comments to us on the two options" said Mayor Dr Holmes-Ross.

Summary Table outlining draft Budget Option A and B

View the draft 2023/24 Annual Business Plan, Budget and Long Term Financial Plan

The draft Plan outlines the projects, services and activities Council proposes to undertake over the next 12 months. It outlines the financial requirements of Council, rates structure, financial modelling and Long Term Financial Plan considerations. Download the draft Plan from the ‘Documents’ section:

Draft 2023/24 Annual Business Plan, Budget & Long Term Financial Plan

On Tuesday 11 July Council adopted the 2023/2024 Annual Business Plan, Budget and Long-Term Financial Plan.

A message from Mayor Dr Heather Holmes-Ross

On behalf of the City of Mitcham, I present the 2023/2024 Annual Business Plan, Budget and Long-Term Financial Plan.

The Plan includes several cost neutral climate initiatives and continues to address the impact of climate change through self-funding solar investment opportunities.

In the year ahead we look forward to honouring co-funding commitments to State and Federal governments to progress a range of projects as well as continuing to maintain and improve our community buildings, roads and reserves.

Council is set to increase rates by an average $171 per residence, an average increase of 8.9 per cent. Council has worked especially hard this year to find efficiencies and ongoing savings of $863,000 per annum to help us to deliver existing services at less than the cost of inflation.

Many residents have lowered their cost of living by taking advantage of our solar, battery and virtual power plant collaboration through our Mitcham Community Renewables Program. This program is continuing. Additionally, Council has prioritised our exploration of new ways to lower energy costs for residents and businesses, noting that the power costs are set to increase dramatically by more than 20% from 1 July 2023.

Thank you for your continued support as we work together to create a sustainable, vibrant and connected community.

New and improved services for the community 

Implementing the Brown Hill Keswick Creek Stormwater Master Plan^

Contribution to the Regional Subsidiary to implement the Brown Hill Keswick Creek flood mitigation works.

Installing Solar Panels and a Battery at Belair Community Centre

Install approximately 20kW solar panel array and 25-40kW battery on to the Belair Community Centre Building.

Installing Solar Panels at Tiwu Kumangka

Install approximately 60kW solar panel array on the Tiwu Kumangka building after construction is complete.

Installing Solar Panels and a Battery at the Mitcham RSL

Install approximately 26kW solar panel array and 40kW battery at the Mitcham RSL in Kingswood.

Investing in the Road Asset Renewal Backlog (to be completed by 2027)

Undertake accelerated renewals of our roads to address our backlog by 2027.

Upgrading Drainage and Carparking at AA Bailey Reserve, Clarence Gardens^

Improve drainage and carparking to support a key community asset.

Revitalising Green Spaces in St Marys^

Revitalise green spaces in St Marys including at Thurles Street Reserve.

Upgrading Mortlock Park Oval Facilities, Colonel Light Gardens^

Upgrade the Gil Langley building and supporting facilities at Mortlock Park, Colonel Light Gardens (subject to finalisation of design, further community consultation and heritage considerations).

Upgrading Rozelle Reserve, Melrose Park^

Revitalise Rozelle Reserve in consultation with the community.

Investing in Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD)

Invest in continued implementation of Council’s Smart Water Management Plan through installation of tree inlets and soakage pits across the City in conjunction with kerbing works.

Extending and Upgrading the Stormwater Network

Construction of new/upgraded stormwater infrastructure to improve flood mitigation – prioritised in relation to upgrades associated with road renewal work, stormwater management plans and localised flooding complaints.

Provision of Annual Community Facilities Grants

Continue to provide grant support to community groups with up to $5,000 in matched funding for minor capital improvements to their facilities and grounds that would otherwise not be funded via the other City of Mitcham grant streams.

Additional Open Space Volunteer Coordinator

Additional resource to meet the increasing interest in volunteering in open space sites in the City of Mitcham, to allow additional volunteers to be taken on.

Proposed Extension of the Blackwood Lions Bargain Centre, Eden Hills^

Blackwood Lions’ proposed expansion of sheds, car parking and an online shop at the Council leased site on Shepherds Hill Road Eden Hills.

Maintaining Water Sensitive Urban Design Projects

Increase operating budget to meet maintenance standards for Water Sensitive Urban Designs solutions.

Provision for Minor New Capital Requests in Open Spaces

Funding allocation to respond to requests for minor new open space assets such as new rubbish bins, fences, tables and other park furniture and amenities. Currently there is no budget allocation to respond to such requests.

Upgrade of the Flinders Drive Pedestrian Crossing with Flashing Twin Lights

Upgrade the existing pedestrian crossing at Flinders Drive to include twin flashing lights.

Provision of a Sustainable Living Subsidy Program for Cloth Nappies and Sanitary Products

Introduce a Sustainable Living Subsidy Program for cloth nappies and sanitary products, enabling the community to transition to more sustainable living.

Implementing a Cyber Security Program

Enable auditing, monitoring and management against the various cyber threats, risks and vulnerability that are inherent to an organisation of Councils size.

Christmas Activation at CC Hood Reserve, Panorama

Provide Christmas Activation at CC Hood Reserve each year, including lights, performances, and activities.

Entrance Upgrade and Meeting Room Relocation at Hawthorn Bowling Club, Hawthorn

Relocate and widen the doorway in the south-eastern corner of the building and relocate the adjacent meeting room to north-eastern corner of the building.

Installing a Public Toilet and Storage Facilities at Manson Oval, Bellevue Heights

Construct a new public toilet facility (1 x unisex ambulant cubical and 1 x unisex accessible cubicle) at Manson Oval, Bellevue Heights.

Provision of a Green Buildings Fund

Provide an additional capital allocation to fund green elements for assets that support sustainability outcomes across Council's asset portfolio.

Investment in Spatial Software for Weed Management in the City of Mitcham

Data management of bushland, weed management, chemical usage, job dispatching and contractor reporting.

Implementing the City Image (Signage & Furniture) Pilot Scheme

Comprehensive and coordinated refresh of signage and furniture at up to three targeted parks to test the signage and furniture prototypes in a real world environment.

^ Services/Projects that have received State or Federal Government funding commitments


Download a copy of the Annual Business Plan, Budget and Long Term Financial Plan and 11 July Full Council Meeting.

Consultation

Thank you for your feedback. Consultation is now closed.

The City of Mitcham invited feedback from the community on two options for its draft 2023/24 Annual Business Plan, Budget, and Long-Term Financial Plan.

We are seeking feedback on two options: a 7.84% rate increase; or a rate increase of 8.9%.

Mayor Dr Heather Holmes-Ross said, “The first option of 7.84%, which is lower than CPI, will only deliver our existing services it is important to be aware this does not include the co-funding required to progress the State and Federal government funded projects that are listed below.

“In this draft plan we are also seeking feedback on an option for a rate increase of 8.9% to provide additional new services for people and places as well as continue to deliver on climate change initiatives.”

“A proposed rate increase of 8.9% would allow us to deliver new services for people and places by boosting investment to meet the needs and expectations of our community for reserves, facilities, roads and footpaths as well as continue to address the impact of climate change through water sensitive design, sustainable living programs, green buildings as well as expanding no-cost solar investment opportunities across the City.”

“This option will also fund projects in partnership with Federal and State Government such as enhancing AA Bailey Reserve in Clarence Gardens, Revitalising reserves in St Marys, Upgrading Mortlock Park Oval Facilities in Colonel Light Gardens, upgrading Rozelle Reserve in Melrose Park and extending the Blackwood Lions Bargain Centre.”

To achieve our commitment to the community two rate increase options are being presented; a rate increase of 7.84% to maintain services or a rate increase of up to 8.9% to maintain and improve services. This would result in an average rise for a residential property of approximately $151 for 7.84% and $171 for a rate increase of 8.9%.

Both proposed rate increase options reflect the increased costs of providing existing services to our community and cost shifting. Heather said, “We have worked hard to find almost $900,000 in efficiencies and financial savings.”

The second rate option invites the community to consider if they would like additional new services including:

  • Enhance AA Bailey Reserve, Clarence Gardens
  • Revitalising Reserves in St Marys
  • Upgrade Mortlock Park Oval Facilities, Colonel Light Gardens
  • Upgrade Rozelle Reserve, Melrose Park
  • Continue the Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) Program
  • Extend & upgrade the Stormwater Network
  • Provide Annual Community Facilities Grants
  • Blackwood Lions Bargain Centre, Eden Hills, Proposed Extensions
  • Maintenance of Water Sensitive Urban Design Projects
  • Minor new capital requests in open spaces
  • Flinders Drive Pedestrian Crossing – flashing twin lights upgrade
  • Sustainable Living Subsidy Program – Cloth Nappies Rebate
  • Cyber Security Program
  • CC Hood Reserve, Panorama, Christmas Activation
  • Hawthorn Bowling Club Entrance Upgrade and Meeting Room relocation
  • Manson Oval Public Toilet and Storage Facilities
  • Green Buildings Fund
  • Spatial Software for Weed Management in the City of Mitcham
  • City Image (Signage & Furniture) Pilot Scheme
  • Open Space Volunteer Coordinator

Dr Heather Holmes-Ross, Mayor of the City of Mitcham said, “This draft Plan provides two options, one that maintains our existing services while the other importantly addresses key projects to be delivered in partnership with State and Federal Government, while also offering an opportunity to our community to tell us if they want us to continue to invest more in climate change initiatives.”

“We are sensitive to the impacts on the cost of living to our residents, as we are also experiencing the same impact across our services, and we believe these options deliver substantial value to our community”.

“Feedback from our community is important and I urge all residents to make time to review the draft Annual Business Plan, Budget and Long-Term Financial Plan and provide your comments to us on the two options" said Mayor Dr Holmes-Ross.

Summary Table outlining draft Budget Option A and B

View the draft 2023/24 Annual Business Plan, Budget and Long Term Financial Plan

The draft Plan outlines the projects, services and activities Council proposes to undertake over the next 12 months. It outlines the financial requirements of Council, rates structure, financial modelling and Long Term Financial Plan considerations. Download the draft Plan from the ‘Documents’ section: