"Each year council adopts an annual management plan which sets our direction for the next three years and provides detail about the council’s works and activities for the coming year," said General Manager, Bernie Mortomore.

"In conjunction with the draft Management Plan, council's draft budget and fees and charges for 2010 – 2011 are also on public exhibition."

"Council officers have worked extremely hard to achieve a balanced budget again this year which has been difficult given the ongoing effect of lower interest on investments as a result of the global economic crisis and the State Government's rate increase capped at 2.6 per cent for the 2010/11 financial year."

"Unfortunately, although we recognise that there is much we and our residents would like to see happen in our LGA, for example the upgrading and replacing of ageing infrastructure, council has limited resources and must stretch those resources across a very wide range of delivery programs," Mr. Mortomore said.

In balancing its budget, council's priority was to minimise cost increases and maintain current service levels provided to ratepayers. The budget was affected by a number of external factors with expected cost increases needing to be funded for such things as insurance, employee, energy and construction/maintenance costs, and the continued effect of the global financial crisis. The percentage increases on these items were more than the rate increase allowed by the State Government.

The budget includes expected expenditure of more than $17.24 million on roads and bridges; $3.42 million on recreational services susch as parks, sportsgrounds and community facilities; $1.4 million on swimming pools and the Kurri Kurri Aquatic Centre; $9.6 million on waste management; and, $1.28 million on library services.

Of the $35 million council expects to raise through rates and charges, general rates will contribute $26.8 million, waste management charges $7.53 million, stormwater management charges $460K and onsite sewage management charges $250K. The Domestic Waste Management charge is set at $385 inclusive of a State Government levy of approximately $65 per tonne of waste deposited.

The draft Management Plan is now on public exhibition and can be viewed on the council's website, www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au or by visiting council’s administration building or Cessnock or Kurri Kurri Public Libraries.

Submissions are invited in respect of the draft Management Plan and will be received up until 4pm on Tuesday, June 8.