2026-2027 SRRC Budget was adopted on July 1, 2026 by a democratic majority vote of Councillors (four for, three against).
Mayor Sharp, Cr Moriarty and I voted against adoption of the budget for differing reasons, and contrary to some public comment, we did not vote as a block but rather for our own reasons (the Special Meeting can be viewed on Council’s web page – the statements by all six councillors and the Mayor can be viewed at the end).
I could not support the budget as presented due to both the percentage overall rate increase and my concerns that council may not have the capacity or capability of delivering and/or managing such a large capital works program of $94 million.
I base this belief on the cost and delivery-time blow-outs for the Gallery Walk carpark, Hinchcliffe Bridge and the now monumental multi-million dollar work needed to rectify the leachate issue at the Bromelton Waste Facility.
I do not believe ratepayers should be asked to pay higher rates now in anticipation of delivery of projects in the 2026-2027 which may not be delivered.
The very low amount budgeted for footpaths (new and upgrades) and better connectivity is disappointing as this was what residents wanted in their Integrated Transport Plan feedback.
On the good news front, a new rating category for Commercial Groundwater Extraction premises where there is no extraction limit and no truck movement restrictions has been introduced, along with a rate increase for other extractors.
There is no new funding for projects for this year for the mountain as the Lions Park and Dapsang Drive toilets, TMSA septic replacement, completion of the Gallery Walk carpark and funding for the Botanic Gardens were already included in last year’s budget.
Looking forward, in the10 year Capital Works Program, future funds have been allocated for the construction of the Botanic Gardens Carpark in Forsythia Dr at a cost of $500,000 in each of the 2028-29 and 2029-30 financial years, and $320,000 for the upgrade of the Staffsmith Park playground in 2028-29.
Prohibited Animals – Residents cannot keep a rooster over the age of six weeks on a property less than 8000 square metres. No ifs or buts. Following numerous complaints, and instances of illegal dumping of roosters in national parks and on Council land, be aware that compliance action will be considered against those who do not responsibly cull their roosters or contain poultry or pea fowl.
New Development Application – MCU26/064 – 130 Long Rd (Gallery Walk) – Code assessable – Community use (War Museum). Seems an odd location for a war museum but what would I know?
Did you know? (I didn’t!). – Council offers a free infirm service for bin collection. The driver of the truck will get out and collect the bins from the house, bring them to the kerb to empty and then return the bin to the house. All that is required to avail yourself of this service is a doctor’s certificate stating that the resident can no longer bring their bins out and apply to Council.
