Strathbogie Shire Council Briefs

Budget Report for the Nine Months ended 31 March 2007-05-16

The operating statement forecasts an unfavourable variance at 30 June 2007 of $1,583,986. The variance is primarily related to both the timing of operating expenditure, with some programs impacting two financial years, and lower than anticipated receipt of grant funding for capital works. Offsetting savings in the capital works program are correspondingly reported.

A favourable forecast variance of $2,478,326 is reported for capital works, a significant component of which is incomplete or deferred works which will be included in Council's 2007/2008 budget. A detailed analysis of variances to budget is provided in the report.

In relation to the balance sheet, a number of significant variances are recorded, however these are primarily the consequence of revenue and expenditure timing, changes imposed under the new International Accounting Standards (AFIRS) and the substantial unbudgeted revaluation of Council infrastructure assets at 30 June 2006.

Road Maintenance

Recent steady rainfalls has allowed Strathcon to commence a more intensive grading program."

Recent steady rainfalls has allowed Strathcon to commence a more intensive grading program. The new program commenced in the week of 7th May 2007 and is programmed to last for seven weeks, until the end of the financial year. Strathcon is hiring two additional graders, boosting the grader fleet to five for this period.

The additional moisture in the atmosphere will allow effective maintenance grading to be undertaken. The roads, although outside Council's maintenance intervention levels, have not been suitable for grading as the road material was too dry, and water was not available for effective grading.

The grading teams will be operating six days per week whilst suitable conditions last.

Strathbogie Shire Council acknowledged that residents had been very patient.

Tourism Festival and Events Sponsorship

Strathbogie Shire Council's Tourism Festival and Events Program awarded the following funding allocations at the May Council meeting: Euroa Show $1,500; Ned Kelly Avenel Festival $2,000

The Balmattum Cup Eve Extravaganza and the Euroa Wool Week Festival were referred to Round One of Council's 2007/2008 Community Grants program for funding consideration.

The residual of 2006/2007 Tourism Festival and Events program funds of $1,500 is to be allocated to Nagambie Lakes Tourism and Commerce Incorporated to support activities associated with hosting the 2007 Jayco Herald Sun Tour.

North East Sale Centre - Revised Fee Structure

The North East Store Sale Centre (NESSC) Advisory Committee has revised fees applicable to Stock Agents for the use of the saleyards in Euroa.

Currently the fee is set at $360 (excluding GST) per sale which is shared by local Stock Agents. Council resolved that the existing fee of $360 for agents use of the saleyards on sale day, is replaced with a fee of $0.20 cents per head (plus GST) of cattle sold (including cow and calf) or $360 whichever is greater, effective as of, and including sale, of 1 September 2006.

For more information: Marli Kelly on 0409 410 178 16 May, 2007

For details/interview call the Editor on (03) 5798 1858