Despite difficult operating conditions, Waratah-Wynyard Council has reported a solid financial performance for the year ending June 30, 2020.
The financial impact of the pandemic on Council’s operating result for the year was $0.550m. This included a reduction in planned TasWater dividends; impacts on childcare operations; a reduction in tourism and sporting facility user charges; and additional leave expense.
“Fortunately, Council has been working on delivering operational efficiencies throughout the year which provided flexibility to respond to the pandemic,” General Manager Shane Crawford stated.
“Despite challenging operating conditions Council has recorded a small underlying operating deficit of $0.026m, an unfavourable variance to budget of just $0.112m.”
Council’s ongoing underlying operating position remains sustainable and the impacts are not expected to be ongoing beyond the pandemic duration, while Council continues to have capacity to comfortably meet its financial obligations.
“I would like to thank Council’s staff for their dedication and commitment and acknowledge that it has been a particularly difficult year with the challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic has presented,” Shane Crawford said.
“Like many organisations, events arising from COVID-19 accelerated Council’s efforts to evolve the workforce and embed new ways of working.
“Our elected members and staff rose to the occasion and we are proud of the way in which Council has responded in supporting the community during that period.”
While the year has presented many challenges, considerable progress has been made toward progressing many of the community’s plans and strategies.
Some of the highlights from the year include:
- An upgrade to the Wynyard BMX track
- The completion of the Camp Creek remediation and pedestrian bridge
- Completion of the Rural Road Safety Audit
- The introduction of Community Conversations
- The roll out of Council’s new website
- The adoption of the Integrated Council Environmental Plan (iCEP)
- The adoption of the Boat Harbour Master Plan
- The development of the Cam River Reserve Master Plan
- The completion of the new boardwalk and seawall at the Wynyard Waterfront
- New changerooms at the Wynyard Recreation Ground
Council has had a continued focus on robust community engagement and the community continues to use its voice to shape its future alongside a strong Council that is willing to listen.
The Wonders of Wynyard was awarded a silver medal at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards for recognition of its innovation and contribution to the local economy and quality visitor experience. This national recognition is testament to
the role that our centre plays in the region.
Council was also recognised for its efforts in Community Engagement, winning the Community Services Delivery Award for its Communications & Engagement Strategy in the annual Local Government Professionals Awards.
Council’s Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 and the draft Annual Report is available on Councils website.
Authorised for general media distribution by Shane Crawford, General Manager, Waratah-Wynyard Council on Thursday, October 22, 2020