Reduced Operational Expenditure for Port Augusta City Council
Port Augusta City Council’s Audit Committee recently reviewed work undertaken by Council in relation to service level and range reviews.
The report describes continued positive progress in financial sustainability and cost savings during the 2019/2020 period.
Some of the key findings in the report were:
Hancock Stadium – SAFA Flinders Power Regional Development Fund was secured to fund the upgrade of Hancock Stadium.
Vehicles – Savings of approximately $10,000 were made to fleet vehicles and Hybrid vehicles were introduced to reduce fuel consumption and operating costs.
Port Augusta Childcare Centre – Savings of approximately $5,000 per annum with renewed cleaning contracts.
Insurance Review – Reduction in the insurance level of the Great Western Bridge - savings of $13,200.
LED Street Lighting – Changeover of street lighting to LED - savings of approximately $11,000 per annum.
Miriam High Special Needs Centre – A review of operating hours then ceasing of operation for the July to September 2019 period - savings of approximately $10,000.
Food Waste Strategy – A strategy to encourage compositing of food waste into green bins instead of red bins has commenced, which could result in a sizeable reduction in Kerbside Waste & Recycling service charges.
Electricity Contracts – New electricity contracts introduced for 2020-2023 - savings of approximately $22,000.
Julia Lodge – Council resolved to sell all nine units – Currently on the real estate market.
Review of Leases & Licences – A review of leases & licences of Council owned buildings by various community groups is in progress.
Upper Spencer Gulf Regional Assessment Panel – Council resolved to create an Upper Spencer Gulf Regional Assessment Panel with Port Pirie and Whyalla Councils to ensure that the most cost effective and productive service is delivered to respective communities.
Review of ownership of Port Augusta Wharf – State Government now has ownership and control of the Port Augusta Wharf, this has been removed from Council’s Asset, Depreciation Schedule and Insurance Registers.
Since the 2017/2018 period, Council’s budgeted operational expenditure has been reduced to $33,326,900 (a cumulative $9.68m reduction) and the budgeted operating deficit in 2020/2021 has reduced to $2,682,000 (a reduction of over $1.85M from 2017/18) with Council focussing on decreasing debt, increasing maintenance and asset renewal and maintaining service provision.
For the full report visit: https://www.portaugusta.sa.gov.au/the-council/financial-papers
For further information please contact Council’s Media and Communications Officer on (08) 86419100
JOHN BANKS
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
27/08/2020