Junee Shire Council has almost exceeded its own expectations this year with more than 285 planned projects enacted throughout the town.
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Only 20 plans remained unfinished by June 30, resulting in a 93 per cent project success rate.
“In a lot of cases, for those that were completed the goals were exceeded,” said council general manager James Davis.
“For example, we wanted to maintain membership to the aquatic centre and we actually saw a membership increase of about eight per cent.
“It’s a fantastic score you can walk away from with your head held high any day of the week.”
The items that did not reach completion will be held over for the incoming financial year.
That includes the implementation of Junee’s disability inclusion action plan, which has now been earmarked as a priority for the incumbent period.
The report was originally drafted by council last year, but its progress has been stalled since it became the responsibility of the Access Advisory Committee.
Though in its absence, council did improve disability access around Lorne Street, and in particular to the post office and newsagency.
Other significant projects on the incomplete list this year include the construction of a storm water network on Regent Street and a guideline plan for the town’s infrastructure development.
The delivery of these strategies was impeded by an unexpected and prolonged vacancy in council’s workforce.
“It did take about five months to fill the engineering director position, and we really did need that role to achieve those goals,” said Mr Davies.
“Now that we have someone in that role, we’ll be able to address those strategic projects more effectively, and it’s most likely they’ll be done this year.”
Not accounted for in the scope of the report was the work generated by the Stronger Country Communities Fund.
Beginning in March, council assessed up to 20 community applications for state funding.
“It was an extra deal of work that was unplanned for,” Mr Davis said.
“We looked at 17 projects and held a community consultation, so it was some major work.”