The ongoing impacts of the last few years on Councils financial sustainability means a change in approach is needed to strike a balance between the needs of the community and Councils funded future.

Acting General Manager Tim Crosdale said it’s important for our community to make their voice heard and help us decide how we move forward.

“We’ve put together a number of rate income and non-rate income options to turn our financial position around and we want to explore these with the community,” Mr Crosdale said.

“Non-rate income options include increasing fees and charges, continuing to seek grant funding, selling underperforming assets and looking at other options for revenue.

“We also have five rate increase options ranging from a 26% to 45% overall rate increase, either in a single year or over a number of years,” he added.

Council is also putting forward the option to continue under the current scenario where income continues to increase each year by the 2.5% rate peg – but this option would mean reduced services in the future.

“We want as many of our community to jump onto our website and complete the detailed online survey to provide feedback on each of the options or provide other options for Council to consider,” Mr Crosdale said.

“For those without internet access, you’ll be able to have your say by visiting your local library, the Council administration building or by attending one of our community information sessions, where staff are on hand to help those with limited experience in technology.

“To help property owners in deciding our future, we’ve also set up an online calculator that shows the impact of each of the rate increase options on their property rates,” he added.

Mayor Ryan Palmer said on behalf of the elected council we’d like to hear from as many community members as possible.

“Other than the online survey, we have other channels for people to join the conversation and provide feedback including a Facebook Live event and a number of community information sessions both face to face and online,” Mayor Palmer said.

Community can have their say on Our funded future until 9am Monday 8 August.

To find more about Councils financial position and how to have your say visit portstephens.nsw.gov.au/our-funded-future.