Thank you for your feedback in the preparation of the 2018/19 annual business plan and budget. Council has considered the feedback received from the community and reviewed all projects in light of the community feedback. The final Annual Business Plan and Budget 18/19 has now been finalised.

The Annual Business Plan sits within an overall planning framework which sets the strategic directions for the City of Charles Sturt over the medium and long term. The Annual Business Plan converts these into annual actions and outputs.

This year, the aim of Council is investing in our community and providing quality services while keeping rates as low as possible. Over the next 12 months we will see the delivery of a number of key projects that will benefit Charles Sturt for years to come, including the completion of Stage 2 Port Road drainage, a revitalised St Clair Recreation Centre Precinct, a rebuilt West Beach Rock Wall, and the replacement of street lights with more energy efficient LED lighting. A highlight will be working with the community to finalise a vision for a new Community Hub at West Lakes.

Our budget for 2018/19 includes $2.16m for additional annual operting initiatives such as economic development programs to support businesses, school holiday sports program and greening the City projects. The capital works program will see an investment of $67.4m into roads and footpaths, traffic management initiatives, playground renewals, and upgrades of local sporting clubs.

The rate rise for the next financial year is the lowest in many years and, with an average increase of 1.4%, is below CPI. We continue to strive for a responsible and careful budget, and remain focused on maintaining a surplus financial position.