News from and about local council issues

SCC Budget comment with thanks to the Berry Forum

Council's 2025/26 Budget  We have summarised the financial information on Council’s website, identified the key numbers and presented them below in an easy to read format. The financial data relating to Council's operations are separated into three distinct areas - the General Fund, which covers the bulk of Council's operations, the Water Fund and the Sewer Fund. The 2025/26 Budget for these Funds is shown below in $ millions - The Rates amount in the General Fund budget includes $8m for the Special Rate Variation yet to be approved by the Independent Pricing Tribunal. The surplus results in the Water and Sewer Funds cannot be transferred to…

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Delivery Program Operational Budget 2025/26

Draft Delivery  Operational Plan  2025/26 Share Draft Delivery Program Operational Plan & Budget 2025/26 on Facebook Share Draft Delivery Program Operational Plan & Budget 2025/26 on Twitter Share Draft Delivery Program Operational Plan & Budget 2025/26 on LinkedinEmail Draft Delivery Program Operational Plan & Budget 2025/26 linkWhat does Council have planned for the future?Council invites the community to provide feedback on the Draft Delivery Program and Operational Plan and Budget - 2025/26, which also includes Council's proposed Fees and Charges.The draft Plan outlines how Council is working towards achieving the community’s aspirations and long-term vision for our city. This vision is outlined in our…

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Invasive Species Council – Roaming Cats

Roaming pet cats are sending our suburbs silent This is the moment we’ve been waiting for.Right now, outdated NSW laws are failing our wildlife. Roaming pet cats are killing a staggering 66 million native mammals, birds and reptiles in Sydney alone each year!Despite this, NSW councils are banned from introducing cat containment rules. It’s sending our suburbs silent!But there’s good news. In response to our pressure, both behind the scenes and in the media, the NSW government has announced it will review the Companion Animals Act – for the first time in 2 decades.This is our chance to fix these archaic laws. You and I…

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Local Character advice Updated

Council has been granted an extension to the Gateway Determination for Planning Proposal PP073 Local Character Planning Proposal to enable further consider the proposal.  The date for completion has been extended from 14 March 2025 to 18 July 2025 (an extension of around 4 months).  The request for an extension follows Council’s 10 December 2024 resolution (MIN24.655):  That Council: 1.         Pause Planning Proposal PP073 and the drafting of character statements and design guidelines to be considered including work on the new Land Use Planning Scheme (Local Environmental Plan), until such time as Council can hold a briefing to receive information…

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