Financial Management
Annual Budget
Our 2026-2027 Annual Plan and Budget was approved by Council with an average rate increase of 3.9%.
We work out our rate increases based upon what it costs us to provide our services, maintain and renew our current infrastructure, build new infrastructure and, cover the higher long-term costs that come with investing in new and improved infrastructure. We work hard to be financially sustainable and work within our means, and we’ve done our best to keep rate increases to a minimum for our community.
There are several factors in this year’s budget that will impact your rates. These come from inflationary increases that impact all aspects of our operations, in addition to the ongoing cost impacts to the supply of goods, materials and fuel, plus impacts of reduced TasWater dividends to owner Councils.
Waste Management charges for this year are increasingly slightly due to the introduction of FOGO and the State Government’s final staged increase to the Landfill Levy. In real terms, the average household cost increase for rubbish, recycling, FOGO and community waste levy is around 70 cents per week.
The annual budget is made up of the Operating and Capital Budget
Capital Budget
Councils’ Capital Budget for 2026-2027 provides funding for essential services, maintenance of existing assets and new infrastructure growth. This budget commits $15.05 million for capital works projects (inclusive of carry forwards) and sees funding for the following:
- $4.7 million for roads and transport infrastructure
- $2.0 million for footpaths and cycleways
- $0.87 million for stormwater infrastructure
- $2.5 million for parks and reserves
- $3.5 million for building works and facilities
- $1.2 million for plant, equipment & ICT
- $0.29 million for preliminary work on FY27-28 capital projects
Some of the works and projects we will be undertaking this financial year as part of our Annual Plan include:
- Building new playgrounds at Midway Point and Primrose Sands plus installation of shelter at Sweetwater Park.
- LED lighting upgrades to Dodges Ferry Oval and Pembroke Park soccer pitch.
- Development of a Coastal Access Plan for the Southern Beaches.
- Provision of seating, tables and shelter at Samuel Thorne Reserve, Dodges Ferry Boat Ramp foreshore, Primrose Sands Beach southern carpark.
- Construction of a gravel pathway along the Arthur Highway in Dunalley.
- Construction of the multi-purpose Makers Workshop and Community Precinct in Sorell.
- Finalisation of the Southern Beaches Plan.
- Upgrading the footpath on Primrose Sands Road between Tamarix Road and the RSL.
- Continuation of the Responsible Cat Ownership campaign in Dodges Ferry with TenLives.
- Construction of a new footpath linking Provence Drive to Carlton Beach Road.
- Development of an Access and Inclusion Advisory Group, in collaboration with Mission Australia.
Fees and Charges
Our fees and charges schedule includes fees and charges for planning, building, dog registrations, environment and health services, engineering, hall and sporting facility hire and more.
Long Term Financial Plan
In accordance with the Local Government Act 1993, Council must develop and adopt a Long Term Financial Management Plan (LTFP) and Financial Management Strategy (FMS).
The LTFP and FMS enables Council to plan the financial sustainability of the organisation over a minimum 10 year term.
Council’s LTFP and FMS have played a significant role in Council improving its financial sustainability, increasing its commitment to maintaining and renewing its asset base, planning for major projects, and aligning resources to achieve its strategic objectives.