FAQs

An Annual Business Plan is Council’s basic statement of its intended programs and outcomes for the financial year. It links Council’s longer term planning for its area, as set out in its strategic management plans with the allocation of resources in its budget.

Council develops and implements Annual Business Plans and Budget to meet the following principles: 

• Realistic budgeting – All budget figures will be realistic, based on the best available information, and utilise a zero-based budgeting approach.
• Financial sustainability – The budget will be developed in alignment with the Long Term Financial Plan, towards achieving Council’s policy targets of financial sustainability.
• Avoid cost shifting – We will resist pressure to accept cost shifting from other levels of government.
• Legislative compliance – The Annual Business Plan & Budget and budget reviews will comply with the relevant requirements of the Local Government Act 1999 and associated Financial Management Regulations.
• Council is committed to obtain available grant revenue that enhances and improves Council assets and programs.
• The Capital Works Program will allow for Council’s asset renewal needs in line with its Asset Management Plans.
• Evaluate new initiatives – All new projects and capital works programs will be evaluated in terms of meeting Council’s strategic directions and incorporate a cost benefit analysis which includes whole of life costing.

Council is guided by the endorsed DGC Annual Business Plan and Budget policy in regards to  development, content and reporting requirements for annual business plans and budgets. 

Content for the Annual Business Plan is determined by analysis the following:

• The long term objectives outlined in our Strategic Management Plan 2020-30;
• Significant influences for the year ahead such as:
  • Community & Councilor requests;
  • Financial factors (eg available funds);
  • Asset renewal needs (as per DCG Asset Management Plans); 
  • Progress on current projects;
  • Future project priorities; and
  • Required levels of service provision.