After a fiery extraordinary meeting Thursday ended in disagreement, councillors have just days to come to a consensus. 

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council held an extraordinary meeting Thursday 23-06-22 to adopt a four-year Delivery Program, Resourcing Strategy and an annual Operational Plan (and budget).

At that meeting Councillors where due to considered the Fees and Charges and to set the rates for 2022/2023 financial year.

Members of the community were invited to comment on the draft documents throughout May and 112 submissions were received which provided commentary, support or opposition to them.

PMHC's Budget Component Details:

The budget costs PMHC's 'Delivery Program' (DP) which outlines how council will respond to the community’s expectations as outlined within the Council's 'Community Strategic Plan' (CSP) which in turn is supported by a draft 'Resourcing Strategy' which includes a 'Long Term Financial Plan', 'Asset Management Strategy' and 'Workforce Planning Strategy'.

PMHC's 'Annual Operational Plan' and budget outlines the specific actions the Council intends to undertake over the coming year, and proposes a budget that meets the expectations in line with both the DP and the CSP.

The CSP, titled 'Imagine2050', was adopted by Councillors in April. It captures the community’s goals and aspirations for the future of the region and was drafted after two years of consultation with the community between 2019 and 2021.

Together, these documents provide a holistic overview of the diverse range and span of Council’s activities, projects and responsibilities. Each stratagy links together to set the direction and define budget allocations for the resources that are required for Council to meet the community expectations.

PMHC is also required to set the Rates and Charges for 2022-2023, and adopt the Fees and Charges Revenue Policy 2022-2023, well as adopt 'The budget' and 'The operational plan' for the financial year ahead.

Video By | Jemma Pepper