It’s a time for new beginnings, the dawn on a new year in the hopeful success of the months to come. The Yass Valley Council is no exception, with the examination of its long-term budgets and its endeavour to undertake and complete many new and old projects.
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Council’s General Manager David Rowe is looking forward to seeing Council’s planned projects and programs implemented throughout 2015.
“2015 is an exciting year for Council. The Murrumbateman Sewerage Scheme is now at tender stage with construction to begin around March, our annual grants programs will open later in the year and community engagement will be a major focus across many programs including the State Government “Fit for the Future” reform package which focuses on long term financial sustainability of local government,” Mr Rowe said.
“We will be seeking detailed feedback from our community in the coming months on what services and facilities Council should be providing.”
Murrumbateman Sewerage Scheme
The construction of the Murrumbateman Sewerage Scheme is one of Council’s largest projects for 2015 and will provide a reticulated gravity sewer system to the Murrumbateman Village. During the construction phase, underground sewer mains will be installed throughout Murrumbateman village and a sewage treatment plant will be constructed approximately 2.3km north of the village.
Flood Studies
A Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan for Sutton and Gundaroo, and a Flood Study for Yass started in January 2015. The Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan will assist Council in understanding flood behaviour in the villages and help plan for and identify future works to manage future flood risk. The Flood Study for Yass will document Yass’ flooding behaviour and feed into further funding applications to then complete a Floodplain Risk Management Study for Yass.
Heritage Grants Program
The 2015/16 Local Heritage Grants Program will encourage positive work on heritage buildings and items in the Yass Valley. The next round of grants will open in the second half of 2015 to give heritage building owners and lessees the opportunity to improve their buildings through financial support.
Community Grants Programs
Council’s annual grants programs will be open for applications mid year giving local organisations and event organisers the opportunity to apply for funding through three separate programs; Major Event Marketing, Community Small Grants and Community Facilities Infrastructure Grants.
Fit For the Future
Yass Valley Council has been identified as a Council that can stand alone and we now need to show how we are financially sustainable for the future. Council will be hosting community consultation sessions in a number of locations in April 2015.
Community Strategic Plan 2017-2030
Yass Valley’s first Community Strategic Plan (CSP), adopted in 2011, outlines the long term aspirations of the community for the next 20 years. A full review of the CSP will be undertaken over the next 18 months.
Delivery Program 2013-2017
The Delivery Program was developed from the current Community Strategic Plan for Council’s four year term of office, with Councillors allocating priorities for dealing with the objectives and strategies identified in the CSP. The Delivery Program is reviewed every year, but this year is particularly important, as that review will identify the impact of options to address financial sustainability to be considered under Fit for the Future criteria.
Operational Plan and Budget 2015-16
The 2015/16 financial year draft will be available for public comment in late April.
Animal Management, Parking and Compliance
Illegal dumping of waste will continue to be targeted through Council’s role in the ACT and NSW cross border taskforce. Council will also be focusing on encouraging responsible pet ownership, expanding the animal rehoming program, developing volunteer programs at the Animal Shelter and creating partnerships with animal welfare agencies.
Rural Lands Planning Proposal
The Rural Lands Planning Proposal to amend the minimum lot size for the subdivision in Murrumbateman from 80 hectares to 40 hectares, will continue through the planning process in 2015.
Waste Management Strategy
2015 will see Council finalise a new Waste Management Strategy to guide future programs and projects on smart waste management across the Yass Valley, including the upgrade of the Murrumbateman landfill facility to a waste transfer station.
ePlanning
2015 will see the launch of further ePlanning tools including the Electronic Housing Code (EHC), an online system for the electronic lodgement of complying development applications. The EHC also allows you to determine if you are able to proceed as exempt development without the need for further approvals.
