Business Plan & Budget
The Business Plan is Council’s statement of its intended programs and outcomes for the year.It is prepared with reference to the Council’s Strategic Plan and Long Term Financial Plan and provides the basis from which Council aims to provide services that are relevant and delivered in a timely and efficient manner, and for the responsible management of its community assets.
The Budget is prepared each year to meet the objectives and priorities contained in the Business Plan. The Budget provides for responsible and accountable performance to achieve a balance of its financial, environmental, social and political goals, to meet current challenges and provide for new initiatives.
As part of the budget preparation process, Council also considers the expected amount of revenue including rates, loan borrowings, cash reserves and other revenue sources that will be used to fund the proposed activities and provide council services.
Budget reviews are prepared at the end of September, December and March. This provides the opportunity for Council to re-assess its immediate priorities, consider changing circumstances and make adjustments to the Budget as it deems necessary.
The reviews allow close and regular monitoring of the actual financial performance during the year to ensure that projects and services are being provided in accordance with its original plans and intentions.