Mayor Brian Ingram said the budget has a strong focus on delivering stronger country communities grant projects.

“Water and roads are key priorities as indicated by the community and we will use loans to fund new infrastructure and spread the cost for ratepayers now and in the future,” he said.

“The budget forms part of Council’s Operational Plan and Delivery Program. The plan outlines the programs and projects Council will undertake to fulfill their obligations to the community and deliver the vision of the Community Strategic Plan together with the funding sources and expenditure for the financial year. 

“Each of these documents should be viewed as integral elements of Council’s overall strategy. These documents are Council’s response to the Community Strategic Plan and are our promise to the community on what we will deliver within our term.” 

Cr Ingram said the council had worked hard to put the budget together.

“The council encourages the community to view the documents and we look forward to receiving their feedback,” Cr Ingram said.

Young Community and Residents Association president Mark Wells said seeking consultation does not end with ‘talking’ to or at people.

“The council must address the issues and concerns raised by the people,” he said.

“In the past, there has been a systematic breakdown between council and consultation with the residents of Hilltops Council area.

“We hope to see the council follow the processes that they have set out under its own documentation and guidelines concerning the Operational Plan and Delivery Program.”

Council’s Integrated Planning and Reporting documents will be on public exhibition until Thursday, June 21, 2018, at 12 pm. Council invites written submissions on these documents during this time. Community members can access these documents on Council’s website and Offices in Boorowa, Harden and Young as well as the libraries in each town.  

Documents are also available here; https://bit.ly/2H7C0ED