Back to basics approach will ensure Council’s financial sustainability

Wyong Shire Council has announced that it will focus on a back to basics approach to spending over the next four years.

Councillors and executive staff recently held a future services planning meeting and identified community priorities to be incorporated into a four year delivery plan from July 1.

With a $30 million deficit, Council’s key focus is on achieving long term financial sustainability.

"Council faces the challenge of reducing costs, but endeavouring to maintain service standards to the community," Mayor Doug Eaton said.

"We only have a limited budget and our level of spending in the past has been unsustainable due to rate pegging and State Government cost shifting for example.

"We need to do things smarter so we can get back to basics like increasing our spending on local roads by $5 million a year over the next four years."

In 2009/10, Council had a $30 million operating deficit before any capital grants and contributions and while significant savings have been indentified, more need to be made.