Oberon Council's 24 to 25 budget forecast is currently presenting a deficit of $193,620. The forecasted income for the 24 to 25 financial year is $27.4 million. Our rate peg has gone up by the IPART determination of 5.2%. All our fees and charges have increased by the December 2023 CPI or 4.1 or as cost recovery method requires. 

Our Section 356 financial assistance have been allocated $80,000 during the budgeting process. Other factors considered within the budgeting process with the increase of the cost of materials and labour services, we have also factored in the employee wages increases as dictated by the enterprise agreement. The 24 to 25 financial year will also see the local government election.

Last year the NSW government removed the rebate for Emergency Services Levy, which equates to approximately $140,000 that council will not be receiving again this financial year. Oberon Council is also receiving less grants as there is less opportunities out there for local government. 

The annual budget projection can be seen on this slide with the income statement and the funding statement. It is compared to the adopted budget in the 23 to 24 financial year where people will note there is a definitely a reduction in the capital grants space. In turn, there is also a likewise deduction in the capital works council will be undertaking. Council has been required to restrict grants we have received in the 23 to 24 financial year to move the projects into the 24 to 25 financial year. For the full suite of documents, please go to haveyoursay.oberon.nsw.gov.au