Council approves blueprint to rebuild Eurobodalla

Reducing hardship for residents, leading bushfire recovery and stimulating the local economy are the focus of Eurobodalla Council’s blueprint for the next 12 months.

The Council on Tuesday approved its revised budgets and plans for the coming financial year, as the community embarks on the massive task of rebuilding after the bushfire crisis and COVID-19.

In line with most other NSW councils, rates and fees will rise by 2.6 per cent - the NSW Government’s recommended increase for councils this year. However, changes to Council’s hardship policy mean those who need help paying their rates will get it, with interest-free payment plans available over 12 months.

Around 30 per cent of Council’s $116 million operating expenditure budget will be spent directly supporting the local economy through the purchase of materials, goods and services, direct employment and use of labour and local plant hire and contractors.

To assist the building industry S94 and S64 contributions, which go toward the cost of Council infrastructure associated with development, will be deferred to later in the process.

The Council also allocated $200,000 to its Disaster Relief Fund specifically for businesses that lost revenue from the recent bushfires or COVID-19, and a further $200,000 to assist those who lost their homes in the bushfires with the cost of DA fees to rebuild.

Eurobodalla Mayor Liz Innes said that over the next 12 months Council would focus on leading bushfire recovery and stimulating the local economy.

“Council truly understands the hurt within our community and we know we have a long road ahead after such devastating loss,” she said.

“This plan ensures we have the capacity to advocate and assist our community with the rebuilding process, and to continue to provide much-needed services and infrastructure, while maintaining sustainable management of Council's finances now and into the future.”

Major Council projects over the term include progressing construction of the Regional Aquatic, Arts and Leisure Centre at Batemans Bay, the Moruya Airport redevelopment, activating the Batemans Bay waterfront, and more than $2.3 million of works to improve recreation opportunities at Gundary, Bill Smyth and Captain Oldrey Park ovals.

Visit Council’s 2017-21 Delivery Program and 2020-21 Operational Plan page to view the documents.