Financial Management
Annual Budget
Sorell Council endorsed the Annual Plan and Budget for the 2025 – 2026 financial year at the Special Council Meeting 24 June 2025. Council approved a rate rise of 3.7% in line with the Long Term Financial Plan and the Long Term Asset Management Plans which continues the focus on ensuring the long term sustainability of Council.
The budget for 2025 – 2026 provides funding for essential services, maintenance of existing assets and new infrastructure growth. The focus continues to be on maximising the community’s assets and infrastructure for their useful life, with limited funding for new infrastructure.
The annual budget is made up of the Operating and Capital Budget
Capital Budget
Councils’ Capital Budget for 2025-2026 provides funding for essential services, maintenance of existing assets and new infrastructure growth. This budget commits $16 million for capital works projects (inclusive of carry forwards) and sees funding for the following:
- $6.1 million for roads and transport
$2.4 million for footpaths and cycleways
$2.5 million for stormwater infrastructure
$1.4 million for parks and reserves
$2.4 million for building works and facilities
$0.9 million for plant, equipment & ICT
$0.37 million for preliminary work on future capital projects
Some of the works and projects we will be undertaking this financial year as part of our Annual Plan include:
- Employ a Youth Officer to establish a Youth Hub in Sorell.
- Commence the Southern Beaches Structure Plan.
- Review of Sorell Township Urban Master Plan.
- Finalisation of the Blue Lagoon Weed Management Plan.
- Staged implementation of NRM Strategy.
- Planning for commencement of FOGO service in 2026.
- Commencement of Sorell Community Precinct.
- Construction of viewing platforms at Carlton and Park Beaches.
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.