Draft 2021/22-2023/24 Business Plan Consultation Opens
Improving the visual appeal of our community, releasing residential and industrial land and developing a Wellbeing Strategy are among the key focus areas of Port Pirie Regional Council’s Draft 2021/22-2023/24 Business Plan & Budget.
The Draft Business Plan and Budget is now available for consultation and Council is keen to engage with all members of the community to hear feedback on the planned activities and projects.
These activities and projects all link with Council’s recently updated Community Plan, with a range of new projects designed to capture the economic and social benefit that we anticipate will come from the new $10 million Southern Flinders Precinct and the $6.2 million Silver to Sea Way project.
With the recent shortage of housing for purchase and rental, this year’s Business Plan includes a staged release of more serviced land for residential and industrial purposes both in the short and medium term, as well as land for tourism related purposes.
Council will also commence the process of improving the visual appeal of the main entrances to Port Pirie, as well as our Central Business District, by the staged removal of high maintenance plantings and replacing them with plantings that are low maintenance with high visual impact. In this way, we endeavour to positively influence the image of Port Pirie anticipated increased visitation from the Southern Flinders Precinct and Silver to Sea Way projects, both due to be completed in late 2023.
Community wellbeing is a priority in Council’s Community Plan and we endeavour to work with local service providers to develop a Wellbeing Strategy. This will be a long-term plan and will involve Council collaborating with the Targeted Lead Abatement Program and other primary and allied health service providers. Whilst Council is not a direct provider of health related services, we can play our part by:
- Providing infrastructure to improve our community’s level of activity (eg. new cycling and walking trails)
- Increase the potential for developing and attaining work related skills through the delivery of Council projects
- Provide opportunities for volunteering
- Support the expression of local art and sculptures in our public spaces.
The total rate income for 2021/22 is proposed to increase by 2.6%, which is closely aligned to the forecast increase in Council’s Long Term Financial Plan. The average residential rate increase is 2.7% or $34, compared to the previous year of $27.
Council’s commitment to community engagement includes a series of community information sessions and a public meeting to held throughout the consultation period. These will subject to any COVID-19 restrictions that may be in place.
The public meeting is to be held on Tuesday 17 August at 6.00pm at the Port Pirie Regional Council Chambers, 115 Ellen Street, Port Pirie. This is an opportunity for discussion and to provide further information.
Public information sessions are planned in conjunction with the community associations in Crystal Brook, Redhill, Koolunga and Pirie Districts (Napperby) pending COVID-19 restrictions – further information will be made available at a later date.
The draft Business Plan, Budget and a series of factsheets can be viewed and downloaded at www.pirie.sa.gov.au/noticeboard/consultation Printed copies of the Business Plan will be made available at the following locations from Wednesday once they are reopened following the COVID-19 lockdown:
- Council Administration Centre, 115 Ellen Street, Port Pirie;
- Port Pirie Public Library, 3 Wandearah Road, Port Pirie;
- Crystal Brook Office, Bowman Street, Crystal Brook.
All submissions must be made in writing:
- Email feedback@pirie.sa.gov.au
- Posted to Port Pirie Regional Council, PO Box 45, Port Pirie SA 5540
- In person at one of the Council offices mentioned above.
Public consultation closes 5pm Monday 23 August 2021.