Glenorchy City Council held its seventh Ordinary Council Meeting for 2024 on Monday 29 July. 10 Elected Members were present.
Highlights from the meeting include:
Announcements by the Chair
Rates notices have recently been sent to Glenorchy City property owners. The Mayor explained that the Valuer-General assesses property values and as 2024 is a valuation year, some people have seen their property value increase, which may mean their rates will be higher. However, many others have seen their property value decrease, lessening their rates bill. This year approximately:
- 63% or two-thirds of rate payers received the base rate increase of 5.95% or lower.
- 37%, or one-third of ratepayers received more than the base rate increase of 5.95% because the value of their property increased.
Rates are charged so that as the Glenorchy community continues to grow, Council can meet the increased demand for infrastructure and services. Council must manage cost pressures to make sure the community has access to the infrastructure and services it rightly demands. In handing down its budget, Council is always mindful of keeping rates as low as possible.
Not only is Council continuing to maintain its asset base worth more than $1 billion, it is also investing in the community, which is continuing to grow at a rate of 500 new residents every year. Key projects during the 24/25 financial year will include:
- $26.9 million in capital works
- Resurfacing more than 7km of roads
- Replacing more than 4km of footpaths
- Black spot projects at Grove Rd and Anfield St, Main Rd at Austins Ferry and Kensington St school crossing
- $1.1 million on flood mitigation works
- $1 million for parks and reserves, including the Claremont pump track
- $450,000 for tracks and trails at Windermere Bay
- Commencement of work to repair and reopen the Glenorchy War Memorial Pool
The Mayor also gave an update on the Glenorchy War Memorial Repair Project, including confirming that the pool slide is unsafe and will be removed. The number one aim is to reopen a safe and accessible pool as soon as possible.
Election of the Deputy Mayor and Appointments to Committees
Following the Mayoral election, the office of Deputy Mayor became vacant. At this meeting, Council elected Alderman Russell Yaxley to the Office of Deputy Mayor. Congratulations Alderman Yaxley!
Council also appointed Elected Members to the following vacant positions:
- Alderman Russell Yaxley to the Audit Panel
- Alderman Shane Alderton as a proxy member of the Audit Panel
- Alderman Russell Yaxley to the General Manager’s Performance Review Committee
- Alderman Justin Stringer to the Glenorchy Carols Grants Working Group.
Congratulations to all Elected Members on their new roles.
Quarterly Report – Quarter 4 ending 30 June 2024
Council received the fourth quarterly report on Council’s progress against the Annual Plan for the 2023/2024 financial year.
The report includes financial and statistical updates, as well as further information to provide context to the numbers and highlight the priority work happening across Council. Council is continuing to work hard to deliver for the community. Highlights of the quarter included:
- By-election for Mayor and Elected Member
- Trial of Open Council Workshop Sessions
- Improving our Parks and Recreation Facilities
- Welcoming Over 50 New Citizens from 14 Countries
- Elector Poll on the Glenorchy War Memorial Pool
- Approving the 2024/25 Financial Year Budget, Capital Work Program, and Annual Plan
- New Stormwater Management Plan
- New Climate Change Adaptation Plan
Monthly financial performance updates for June were provided to keep Council up to date with high level financial information. Quarterly updates were provided on Project Hudson, Moonah Arts Centre Business Plan, Childcare Connections, and progress on the Community Development Action Plan for noting by Elected Members.
You can view the full agenda and minutes on Council’s website, via this link https://www.gcc.tas.gov.au/council/council-meetings/minutes-and-agendas/