The problem of domestic violence in Sutherland Shire has been highlighted with the council setting aside $20,000 to establish a fund to tackle the issue.
The move was one of the measures outlined in the Sutherland Shire Council 2015 budget and 10 year financial plan which it adopted at a special council meeting Monday night.
The council will ask businesses to help fund specific programs with qualified organisations to present a regional response to the problem.
“This budget distinguishes us from other councils,” Cr Johns said. “Other councils are trying to survive when this council is leading.
- Mayor Kent Johns
Cr Tom Croucher said domestic violence was a growing problem in the shire with 38 families currently waiting for counselling services to take up their case.
“Sure we will argue that this is a state matter but we can’t as residents just sit back and watch our neighbours suffering in this way.’’
He said it was now up to local businesses to support the fund and help meet the problem.
Councillors presented a united front in accepting the budget as responsible and balanced.
Mayor Kent Johns said the budget result came from decades of hard work by general manager John Rayner and director Robert Honeyman.
“This budget distinguishes us from other councils,” Cr Johns said. “Other councils are trying to survive when this council is leading."
Cr Johns said the over-riding direction of the council this term was to address its infrastructure backlog, renew and maintain community infrastructure and reduce the cost of the council’s operations
He said the budget will place greater emphasis on asset renewals - $23.225 million in 2014-15 and $25.664 million in 2015-16.
The council will also receive the first of its funding under a Voluntary Planning Agreement with SITA for the expansion of the Lucas Heights Waste Resources Recovery Station.
The government has set a rate pegging limit of 2.4 per cent but average residential rates will rise by 1.50 per cent.
‘‘Some properties may still experience a rate increase and some may even receive a decrease, depending on the actual property value when compared to the average increase in valuations across the shire,’’ he said.
Fees and levels charges will be increased by a minimum 2.7 per cent.
Cost of the domestic waste service will increase by $6.07 million over the last year, from $32 million to $38 million.
See more in the Leader.
What do you think of the council’s 2015-16 budget and 10 year financial plan?