PORT Macquarie-Hastings Council has taken on board the views of the community when it comes to spending in the year ahead.
Councillors and council staff reviewed and evaluated the 47 submissions that were received in response to the public exhibition of the draft 2014/15 Operational Plan, Revenue Policy, Rating Maps and Fees and Charges documents at a three-hour meeting last week.
Mayor Peter Besseling said council was committed to continuing to encourage community participation in the planning process.
“Some of the legislation and sheer bulk of the planning documents might be a little daunting but community feedback on the actions that are specifically outlined in the draft documents is a vital part of getting our delivery right,” he said.
“It’s great to see we got a range of submissions from right throughout the area and in particular some really strong engagement from the Camden Haven.”
The submissions covered a range of topics with the most consistent being funding requests, including footpaths, specific road maintenance, maintenance of the lifeguard towers and support for activities listed in the plans.
“In going through the submissions we had a good discussion about recognising those community groups who want to work with council to maximise what can be achieved with the budget available,” Cr Besseling said.
“Submissions from the Camden Haven on the Schools to Schools footpath and Beach to Beach project as well as the Bonny Hills Progress Association are great examples of community groups who recognise there are financial limitations to what council can deliver, but they are prepared to invest their efforts in a long term benefit,” he said.
Several footpath and maintenance projects identified in the public exhibition have been addressed immediately or confirmed as part of the budget for 2014/15.
The final Operational Plan 2014/15 and the associated financial planning documents will be presented to council for adoption at the June meeting.
“Everyone who made a submission will be acknowledged prior to that meeting and advised on the outcome of their submission, as an indication of the value we are placing on their contribution,” Cr Besseling said.
