THE head of the City of Greater Bendigo has lauded the performance of the council at the release of its annual report.
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Chief executive Craig Niemann said the 2011-12 financial year had been busy for the organisation with a record capital works program and increase in most services.
Figures from the report show 1103 planning permits worth
$226 million were issued during the financial year, more than 28,000 tonnes of garbage taken to landfill, 56 kilometres of roads upgraded and 48,000 meals on wheels servings delivered.
About $51 million was invested in capital works, with most money coming from the federal and state governments.
Debt increased from $6.6m to $15m, but Mr Niemann said that was modest compared to the city’s asset base of $1.2 billion.
The report showed a little less than half of council’s revenue came from rates and there were 663 full-time equivalent staff employed at the organisation.
A quarter of the council’s total operating revenue came from government grants, and user charges and fines made up 17 per cent.
Forty-three per cent of council money went towards presentation and assets, followed by organisation support and community wellbeing, and the council supported 190 local events.
The council received rates from 42,678 residential properties, up about 1000 on the previous year.
Speaking at last night’s annual general meeting, Mr Niemann said the report painted a positive picture of the council and financial management was a strong focus.
“It’s important to note prudent financial management is at the centre of everything we do,” he said.
He said the council was also committed to attracting the best possible staff and thanked them for their work.