Newcastle Council in the Red

Thursday April 2, 2009

Newcastle City Operations are set to change considerably as it faces the prospect of going into a $12million deficit in the new financial year.

The Newcastle Council reported a downturn in investment returns and reduced income from fees and charges.

"It's very very gloomy," Councillor Aaron Buman told the Newcastle Herald. "That $12 million is not factoring in any new works."

Councillor Brad Luke said the deficit was more like $8 million because $4.7 million was in a superannuation fund.

He also told the Newcastle Herald: "I think we have to get back to what are the core services that the public want from us."

"We maybe have to look at putting off the non-core activities.

"The other thing is, we can do a lot of things more efficiently."

Cr Buman suggested money could filter in by reviewing waste services and parks and gardens operations.

"There're ways of substantially saving the ratepayer money," he said.

Back to News Index | Back to Home