Council Meeting | Briefing of Decisions - 23 June 2025

Briefing of Decisions made at the Council Meeting held on 23 June at the Council Chambers

• By absolute majority, approved and adopted the 2025/26 Budget Estimates including a capital works program of $12.6 million including $2.1 million for plant and equipment purchases, $3.0 million for new and upgraded assets and $7.5 million for asset renewals.

• By absolute majority, authorised the General Manager to adjust any individual item within the operational or capital Budget Estimates by up to $50,000 as deemed necessary during the 2025/26 financial year, provided that the total operational and capital Budget Estimates remain unaltered, in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993.

• Approved and adopted the Rates and Charges for 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026 with a 4.9% increase to baseline general rate revenue.

• Resolved to continue to support and seek further funding for the North East Rail Trail – Stage 3 (Scottsdale to Lilydale Falls Reserve), subject to City of Launceston partnership and contribution towards Wyena to Lilydale Falls Reserve section.

• Received and noted a progress report on the Dorset Council Strategic Plan 2023 – 2032, and approved amendments to the Plan including separated and expanded Mayor and General Manager messages, and amendments to imperatives 7.2 and 7.3.

• Noted the progress report and accepted the recommended changes to the Priority Projects Plan 2023 – 2025, which included the removal of completed projects and the update or inclusion of other projects.

• Adopted the 2025/26 Annual Plan.

• Approved and adopted the Long Term Financial Plan 2026 – 2035.

• Adopted the 2025/26 Fees and Charges Schedule.

• Adopted revised Policy No. 42 – Rates and Charges.

• Resolved to enter into a funding agreement with Tourism Northern Tasmania Inc, trading as Visit Northern Tasmania for the period 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2028 and authorised the General Manager to sign the agreement on behalf of Council.

• Adopted the Roads Asset Management Plan 2025, and the revised Policy No. 33 – Asset Management.

• Endorsed the recommendations of the Event Funding Panel and approved the following funding applications in 2025/26: Lions Clubs of Scottsdale – SpudFest ($5,000), Bridport Innovations – Scallop Fiesta ($6,000), North Eastern Agricultural and Pastoral Society Inc. – Scottsdale Show ($5,000), North East Equine Endurance Club – Jolly Lette Memorial Endurance Ride ($750), Launceston Triathlon Club – Bridport Triathlon ($2,000), Scottsdale Golf Club – Australia Day Golf Event ($500), James Scott Decorative Arts Society Inc. - North East Arts and Crafts Festival ($3,000), Rotary Club of Scottsdale – Rail Trail Run and Ride ($2,200), Ringarooma Primary School Association – Ringarooma Garden Walk ($750), Dorset Employment Connect – Dorset People and Business Awards ($2,000), Dorset Community House – Dorset Seniors Week ($2,000) and Bridport Lions Club – Bridport Events (in-kind support).

• Endorsed the nomination of Mrs Stephanie Hill to be appointed as Dorset Deputy Municipal Emergency Management Coordinator for a term of 3-years.

The recording of the Council Meeting can be downloaded below: