Temora Shire Council has started its ‘Securing Our Future’ community consultations into the financial sustainability of the council and the steps moving forward with They have added an additional drop-in session to give more residents, business owners and primary producers the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback on the proposed Special Rate Variation (SRV). The additional session will be held on Tuesday 18 August from 4pm to 6pm at the Temora Memorial Town Hall foyer, providing a later time option for those who may not have been able to attend previous daytime sessions. Council added the session following feedback from the community requesting another opportunity to speak directly with Council representatives, with particular interest from businesses, farmers and residents who needed a time outside standard working hours. Three sessions have already been held with another at Ariah Park today, 13 August, between 4pm and 6pm at the Ariah Park Bowling Club. Temora Shire Council mayor Rick Firman said council was committed to ensuring the community had every opportunity to understand the proposal and have their say before any decision is made and acknowledged that the discussion around a potential SRV was a significant one for the community. “We understand this is going to be a challenging conversation, particularly at a time when the rising cost of living is placing real pressure on our households and families,” Cr Firman said. “Council does not take this proposal lightly. We know any potential increase to rates needs to be carefully considered, and councillors want to make sure our shire community has the information, time and opportunity to provide genuine feedback.” Temora Shire, like all local government areas, has suffered severe cutbacks on federal funding over the last 30 years, with a further cut in the most recent federal budget. Federal Assistance Grants that once allocated 1 per cent of total federal taxation to local government have been reduced down to .49 per cent, this combined with cost shifting from both federal and state governments have placed local councils on shaky financial ground. Although Temora Shire is one of the few local councils to not have had to resort to an SRV and despite many cost savings measures already in place, according to council documents they are facing annual deficits of more than $5 million. Cr Firman said that councillors and staff are committed to having an open and transparent conversation with the shire community about council’s long-term financial sustainability,” he said. “We want to ensure residents have the opportunity to ask questions, understand the proposal and provide feedback before any decision is made.” “Our Councillors and staff have been and continue to work hard to ensure our shire community understands the financial challenges council is facing and the reasons we are exploring an SRV. “We have shared information through a range of channels including social media, local newspapers, community radio, council’s website, flyers, information packs and community conversations to help create awareness and support informed decision-making.” “We also recognise that as community members, we all have a role to play in understanding the challenges facing our shire and considering the information available. It has been encouraging to see many residents taking the time to learn more, ask questions and participate in the consultation process. “We encourage anyone with questions, concerns or feedback to come along, speak with our councillors and staff, and find out more about what the proposal could mean for them.” The council says that the drop-in sessions provide an opportunity for community members to discuss the proposed SRV, ask questions about the different scenarios being considered, learn more about council’s financial position and provide feedback as part of the formal consultation process. No decision has been made on the SRV, and the community consultations are intended to garner feedback on the various proposals available to council before the matter is considered by council in November. Community members can have their say by completing the online survey, submitting a hard copy survey, or providing a written or online submission during the formal consultation period. The consolation period is open until 9am Friday 28 August. Council has encouraged those with questions about the proposed SRV to attend the drop-in sessions or contact the SRV Hotline on 6980 1100 (Option 0) or email engagement@temora.nsw.gov.au.
