Sustainable path forward for roads & environment
Published on 21 July 2017
Today’s announcement from IPART approving a Special Rate Variation (SRV) for the MidCoast region has provided the platform for Council to address one of the local community’s highest priorities, its roads and bridges.
The IPART determination provides for an approved cumulative increase of 27.3% over four years including the annual rate peg. The SRV is effective 1 July 2017 with a 10% increase in Year 1 which includes a region-wide environmental levy. It continues with a further 5% annual increase for the following three years. This approval replaces special variations that were in place in each of the three previous local government areas for 2017/18 - Gloucester Shire (13%), and environmental levies for Great Lakes (6%) and Greater Taree (5%).
“This is a significant and positive step forward, and comes as a result of working closely with the Government and our community to develop a strategy for addressing the long-standing underfunding of assets”, explained Glenn Handford, General Manager, MidCoast Council.
The average residential rate across the MidCoast region will increase by $67 in 2017/18, equating to $1.28 per week.
With roads and bridges representing 76% of the total value of MidCoast Council’s $3.3billion asset base (excluding Water Services assets), they have remained an on-going challenge. The SRV will allow Council to fund an identified $5million annual shortfall in renewal funding for roads, and start to reduce the asset backlog estimated at $180million.
“As a result of the SRV being introduced, our community will see a marked improvement in the condition of local roads and bridges”, added Glenn. “High-use assets will be worked into our road funding program as a priority, and an increase in our renewal program will assist in maximising the life of our roads, preventing the ongoing decline of our transport network”.
The approved SRV includes an environmental component, providing certainty in funding for the region’s natural assets across the entire catchment area. Through consultation with the community, environment was also highlighted as an important priority, benefiting our lifestyle, business, tourism and the protection of the region for future generations.
“We are pleased with the IPART determination, which allows us to adopt a future-focussed approach to two areas of prime importance to our community”, Glenn added.
MidCoast Council will continue to engage with the community regarding the road funding program and environmental action plan, including progress reporting as tangible works and improvements are made as a result of the SRV.
The SRV funded road program will complement an existing $30million Roadcare Program, implemented as a result of merger funding and savings achieved through efficiencies. For more information, visit our SRV web page, and to view the IPART determination, visit their website here.