Meeting papers

SPECIAL MEETING                                                                        30 JUNE 2025


The Debt Policy (Attachment 3) is required to be adopted each financial year, and must state new
borrowings for the current financial year and the next nine years and also state the time over which
Council plans to repay existing and new borrowings. New debt will generally only be incurred for
capital projects relating to Council business units that provide a return on investment or for
infrastructure projects that will provide intergenerational benefits. Council is proposing to borrow
$5.0 million in the 2025/26 financial year to fund waste management capital infrastructure works.
The policy has been reviewed, and updated to reflect the proposed borrowings.


4.       Revenue Policy
The Revenue Policy (Attachment 4) for a financial year must state the principles that Council intends
to apply in that year for the levying of rates and charges, the granting of concessions for rates and
charges, the recovery of overdue rates and charges, cost recovery methods and if Council intends
to grant concessions for rates and charges. Council must review its revenue policy annually and in
sufficient time to ensure that its annual budget is consistent with the revenue policy to be adopted
for the financial year.


5.       Procurement Policy
The Procurement Policy (Attachment 5) must include details of the principles, including sound
contracting principles, that Council will apply in the financial year for the purchase of goods and
services. Council must review its procurement policy annually. The policy ensures the application
of sound contracting principles in Council's procurement activities, including for the provision of
goods, equipment and servicing, construction and services contractors as well as for the disposal of
assets.The policy has been reviewed following a detailed review in 2024. The policy remains current
with only minor changes being made.


6.       General Rate Concession Policy
The General Rate Concession Policy outlines the eligibility criteria required to be met for community
organisations to receive a donation from Council equivalent to the general rates payable on a
property. The policy name has been changed from General Rate Donation Policy to General Rate
Concession Policy to align the terminology used with the Local Government Regulation 2012. A
comprehensive review of the policy has resulted in several key updates, including:
     •    The inclusion of a clause referencing Council’s Property Tenure Policy to ensure alignment
          across related frameworks.
     •    The introduction of a new category for social and affordable housing providers, reflecting
          Council’s commitment to supporting housing outcomes in the region.
     •    The removal of the standalone Surf Lifesaving Club category, with these organisations now
          assessed under the broader criteria applied to sporting and recreational organisations (e.g.,
          rugby clubs, yacht clubs).
This change ensures consistency in assessment and brings all organisations under the same
framework, with consideration given to the nature of any commercial activities, liquor licences, and
gambling operations.
These changes were workshopped with Councillors during the development of the 2025/26 Budget.


7.       Rates Financial Hardship Policy

Under the Local Government Act 2009, ratepayers are required to pay Council interest on overdue
rates and charges. The Rates Financial Hardship Policy provides Council with the ability to provide
concessions on interest for overdue rates and charges on the grounds of hardship in a manner that



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