Council Draft 2025/26 Budget is On Exhibition
Council has adopted its Draft Operational Plan 25/26, which will be on public exhibition seeking comment from the community until Friday 16th May. A balanced budget is proposed with an approved increase in general rates of 4.1% to $11,311,189. Modest increases for Council services have been proposed except for waste management charges, which have been increased by 9.5% to begin addressing the quantum of funding required to address future landfill remediation costs.
Salaries have been costed with an increase of 3% and a one off payment of $1,000, but every other cost to Council has increased beyond the rate pegging allowance (4.1%). This is a major concern as mounting costs affect ongoing viability and funds available for Council’s infrastructure programs.
Apart from basic costs such as insurance, electric power and road maintenance and materials costs, cost shifting i.e. unfunded mandates from the NSW Government and the dwindling financial assistance grants from the Commonwealth Government are major issuers of concern.
Accordingly Council has ongoing advocacy initiatives towards getting our fair share of ongoing taxation revenue.
Please Report Crime & Anti-Social Behaviour
Unfortunately there is no permanent Police presence in Clarence Town and the nearest Police stations are in Dungog, Maitland and Raymond Terrace. While the 000 line is reserved for emergencies only, other policing matters should still be reported in order to make them aware of problems affecting our community. And unless we do so regardless of how futile it might seem, their comprehensive statistical records would not justify allocation of scarce resources.
The Police Assistance Line (131 444) is for non-urgent matters, including minor crimes and general inquiries. It’s available 24/7.
Dungog Shire Demographic Data
Council has subscribed to the community profile suite of information provided by the website: profile.id.com.au/ dungog. Information includes population, education, health, employment, ethnicity, unpaid work, income, households, dwellings, housing tenure, migration profile, and journey to work. Each Shire area can be selected for specific information.
Your local B Ward Councillors:
James Campbell 0484 599 709
james.campbell@dungog.nsw.gov.au
Steve low 4996 4022
steve.low49@gmail.com
