In a press release issued on April 19, council claimed the legislation was an  important step forward in addressing the condition of the region’s transport network and council’s ongoing financial sustainability.

The condition of roads and bridges has been highlighted by the local community as their highest priority.

But with an annual shortfall of $5 million for funding depreciation of these assets, and a backlog  sitting at $180 million, increased funding was needed to address the region’s transport network, the media release said.

With this in mind, a special rate variation (SRV) proposal was developed and taken to the MidCoast community late last year.

Now, in passing the Local Government Amendment (Rates - Merged Council Areas) Bill 2017, MidCoast Council has been given approval to proceed with submitting its SRV application.

The SRV proposal is for an increase of five per cent (including the rate peg), each year over a four year period, along with the harmonisation of the environmental rate at six per cent across the MidCoast local government area.

Should the application be approved, the SRV would come into effect from July 1.

“Being given the green light to proceed with the SRV application is a positive step forward and one that is endorsed by our community, who have consistently rated the condition of local roads in need of significant improvement as of the highest importance,” interim general manager, Glenn Handford said.

“In a survey conducted in November last year, over 75 per cent of respondents supported a SRV at the proposed level or slightly lower, which pleasingly demonstrates the community’s understanding of our current position”.

When MidCoast Council was formed in May 2016, a critical initial priority was to consolidate the asset and financial position of the merged entity to determine a sustainable path forward for the community. 

An investigation highlighted the extensive asset backlog for roads and bridges, along with underfunding of depreciation for roads and bridges by $5 million annually, which until addressed, means the backlog of works will continue to increase.

“Since the merger, we have identified ongoing savings far exceeding the KPMG merger business case scenario.

“By committing these merger savings to our roads and bridges, along with additional merger funding through the Stronger Communities – Major Projects Fund, a $30 million Roadcare Program has been developed.

“While this is a great result for a newly merged council, it will not address depreciation or the significant backlog, which is where the SRV will be critical in making a positive difference”.

Potential issues around affordability of the SRV proposal and its impact on ratepayers formed an important part of the community consultation last November.

“The proposal includes a freeze on the waste levy for three years, which will provide a saving of $120 and assist in some way to offset the rate increase.”

The average increase per year is $59 in the Manning region, $64 in the Great Lakes region, and $77 in the Gloucester region.  

To find out more about the SRV proposal, visit www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/SRV where information will continue to be updated as it becomes available.