April 29, 2026 • 7 mins
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
The Litchfield Council. He's calling on residents to have their
say on their draft municipal plan for twenty six twenty seven.
It's now open for public consultation and the plan outlines
council priorities, services, and an eight point five million dollar
capital works program. The Mayor, Rachel Wright, says a major
focus he's going to be on repairing roads that were
(00:22):
damaged during what has been a harsh wet season, and
she joins me on the line, good morning to you, mayor.
Speaker 2 (00:29):
Good morning Katie, Good morning listener.
Speaker 1 (00:31):
Great to have you on the show now. Rachel tell us,
I know that the big focus of these draft plan
is to really well it's the road repairs after the
wet season. Talk us through how extensive the damage is
following on what was a horribly you know, like just
a huge wet season.
Speaker 3 (00:49):
I guess, yeah, Well, it's been many weekends and late
nights working on the municipal plan and the budgets, and we're.
Speaker 2 (01:00):
Still doing reviews to really understand the extent of the damage.
And I think I've mentioned it to you before that
Litchfield has the largest road network in nearly any council
across Australia. So we've got over six hundred and fifty
(01:22):
of sealed roads and then we've got a large section
of unsealed roads. And so at the moment, a huge
portion of time, energy and resources focusing on the unfaled
roads because those people have been affected the most during
this wet season, and we're still assessing because there've been
(01:47):
so much damage on the fealed roads. We have a
fair idea now and we've done a huge amount of
work on advocating to get federal money as well as
trying to get Northern Territory grant funding as well.
Speaker 1 (02:02):
Because I guess the tough part is you're not going
to be able to do it on your own, like
the Lichfield Council is not going to be able to
manage it all on your own. How confident are you
of securing territory governments or federal government support.
Speaker 2 (02:15):
Well, I'm really proud to say that a huge amount
of work in the advocation space and we have received
I think it was one point five million dollar grant
or something from from federal government and that will particularly
(02:37):
focus on Thorngate Road and so we're also until we've
got this full snapshot of the sealed Road. We can't
finalize the grand applications for the Northern Territory funding. The
good thing is the Northern Territory government has allocated a
(02:58):
certain amount of money to Northern Territory Road and we're
really hoping we can put in a great grand application
to try and get more than our fair share for
our residents because, as I said, I hope it's recognized
that we've got one of the largest road networks in
nearly all of Australia.
Speaker 1 (03:17):
And also, of course, like you touched on, you know,
copped that damage throughout the weet season may tell us.
I know that rates and waste chargers are set to rise.
I believe it's by four percent. What do you say
to residents already feeling the cost of living pressures?
Speaker 2 (03:35):
Well, I'm really really proud that it's only four percent,
because over the last ten years the rate increases have
ranged anywhere between seven and three percent, and it works
out to only be eighty five cents per week for
residential rates. Of this increase, and with the increase in general,
(04:01):
because we've got sixty seven staff council who work incredibly hard,
and we've got the fuel crisis and operational expenses, materials
and projects and essential services. Everything is going up. And
I feel really really proud that these late nights and
long weekends and stuff where everybody else is relaxing, that
(04:21):
the elected members and the council staff have worked so
hard on this budget to ensure that we've been able
to keep it down. So it's only eighty eighty five
cents a week for our residential rate increase. I think
it's fantastic.
Speaker 1 (04:36):
Is there going to be a juggle for you guys?
I know we caught up with the Mayor of Darwin,
Peter Styles, earlier in the week and he'd spoken about
the proposed power price increases that are going to hit
their budget if they do come into effect. They're due
to come into effect quite soon. I know it's something
that Legant the Local Government Association of the Northern Territories
raised as well. Is that something that the Litchfield Council
(04:58):
is concerned about.
Speaker 2 (05:01):
Yes, and we're very concerned about the fuel crisis. It
goes across the full spectrum. Any any of the expenses
that are passed on we're trying to absorb. And because
we're really proud, like in my full time capacity, and
(05:21):
the I work in organizations where we're able to manage
a very fiscal budget with not a lot of money,
and I think that we've really done a great job
to try and get this budget so we can try
and absorb as much of that without the residence.
Speaker 1 (05:40):
Yeah, well, I think, and it's so important at this
point in time, you know, as the cost of living
goes up, it's like, I know, it's a really tough
juggle for councils. And then you're also you know, you're
still wanting to make sure that there is a capital
works program. Now I understand that the Litchfield Councils Plan
includes an eight point five million dollar capital works program.
What are the key projects?
Speaker 2 (06:02):
Okay, so roads are definitely a key project for us,
and so it's definitely the repairs. But then we've got sorry,
we've got the capital works including project rollovers from the
previous years. We've got the Fred's Past netball facility which
(06:24):
is currently out for tender, and we've just ordered a
contract to install field lights on the soccer and rugby
fields at Fred's Pass and upgrades to safety, waste infrastructure,
community facilities. And we're really put a lot of money
into reserves that hasn't ever happened before, and community grants
(06:50):
and local programs as well.
Speaker 1 (06:51):
Now we are going to have to get ready to
wrap up. I know that that community consultation is still open.
What kind of feedback are you're hoping you're here and
what kind of influence will it have if residents do
have their say with the final plan.
Speaker 2 (07:06):
Well, we're not wedded to anything. We're all just residents ourselves,
and we want to make it a plan that reflects
what we can do the best we possibly can for
our residents now and into the future. And all feedback
is welcome and considered, and so consultation runs until the
(07:27):
twenty fifth of May. People can have their say online,
in writing and also at the Lichfield Show. So we'd
love people to come down and give us that feedback
so we can make Lichfield continue to be the best
place to live in the territory.
Speaker 1 (07:42):
Well, Rachel right, the Litchfield Mayor. Really good to catch
up with you this morning. Thanks so much for your time.
Speaker 2 (07:48):
Thank you Katie, Thank you
The Litchfield Council. He's calling on residents to have their
say on their draft municipal plan for twenty six twenty seven.
It's now open for public consultation and the plan outlines
council priorities, services, and an eight point five million dollar
capital works program. The Mayor, Rachel Wright, says a major
focus he's going to be on repairing roads that were
(00:22):
damaged during what has been a harsh wet season, and
she joins me on the line, good morning to you, mayor.
Speaker 2 (00:29):
Good morning Katie, Good morning listener.
Speaker 1 (00:31):
Great to have you on the show now. Rachel tell us,
I know that the big focus of these draft plan
is to really well it's the road repairs after the
wet season. Talk us through how extensive the damage is
following on what was a horribly you know, like just
a huge wet season.
Speaker 3 (00:49):
I guess, yeah, Well, it's been many weekends and late
nights working on the municipal plan and the budgets, and we're.
Speaker 2 (01:00):
Still doing reviews to really understand the extent of the damage.
And I think I've mentioned it to you before that
Litchfield has the largest road network in nearly any council
across Australia. So we've got over six hundred and fifty
(01:22):
of sealed roads and then we've got a large section
of unsealed roads. And so at the moment, a huge
portion of time, energy and resources focusing on the unfaled
roads because those people have been affected the most during
this wet season, and we're still assessing because there've been
(01:47):
so much damage on the fealed roads. We have a
fair idea now and we've done a huge amount of
work on advocating to get federal money as well as
trying to get Northern Territory grant funding as well.
Speaker 1 (02:02):
Because I guess the tough part is you're not going
to be able to do it on your own, like
the Lichfield Council is not going to be able to
manage it all on your own. How confident are you
of securing territory governments or federal government support.
Speaker 2 (02:15):
Well, I'm really proud to say that a huge amount
of work in the advocation space and we have received
I think it was one point five million dollar grant
or something from from federal government and that will particularly
(02:37):
focus on Thorngate Road and so we're also until we've
got this full snapshot of the sealed Road. We can't
finalize the grand applications for the Northern Territory funding. The
good thing is the Northern Territory government has allocated a
(02:58):
certain amount of money to Northern Territory Road and we're
really hoping we can put in a great grand application
to try and get more than our fair share for
our residents because, as I said, I hope it's recognized
that we've got one of the largest road networks in
nearly all of Australia.
Speaker 1 (03:17):
And also, of course, like you touched on, you know,
copped that damage throughout the weet season may tell us.
I know that rates and waste chargers are set to rise.
I believe it's by four percent. What do you say
to residents already feeling the cost of living pressures?
Speaker 2 (03:35):
Well, I'm really really proud that it's only four percent,
because over the last ten years the rate increases have
ranged anywhere between seven and three percent, and it works
out to only be eighty five cents per week for
residential rates. Of this increase, and with the increase in general,
(04:01):
because we've got sixty seven staff council who work incredibly hard,
and we've got the fuel crisis and operational expenses, materials
and projects and essential services. Everything is going up. And
I feel really really proud that these late nights and
long weekends and stuff where everybody else is relaxing, that
(04:21):
the elected members and the council staff have worked so
hard on this budget to ensure that we've been able
to keep it down. So it's only eighty eighty five
cents a week for our residential rate increase. I think
it's fantastic.
Speaker 1 (04:36):
Is there going to be a juggle for you guys?
I know we caught up with the Mayor of Darwin,
Peter Styles, earlier in the week and he'd spoken about
the proposed power price increases that are going to hit
their budget if they do come into effect. They're due
to come into effect quite soon. I know it's something
that Legant the Local Government Association of the Northern Territories
raised as well. Is that something that the Litchfield Council
(04:58):
is concerned about.
Speaker 2 (05:01):
Yes, and we're very concerned about the fuel crisis. It
goes across the full spectrum. Any any of the expenses
that are passed on we're trying to absorb. And because
we're really proud, like in my full time capacity, and
(05:21):
the I work in organizations where we're able to manage
a very fiscal budget with not a lot of money,
and I think that we've really done a great job
to try and get this budget so we can try
and absorb as much of that without the residence.
Speaker 1 (05:40):
Yeah, well, I think, and it's so important at this
point in time, you know, as the cost of living
goes up, it's like, I know, it's a really tough
juggle for councils. And then you're also you know, you're
still wanting to make sure that there is a capital
works program. Now I understand that the Litchfield Councils Plan
includes an eight point five million dollar capital works program.
What are the key projects?
Speaker 2 (06:02):
Okay, so roads are definitely a key project for us,
and so it's definitely the repairs. But then we've got sorry,
we've got the capital works including project rollovers from the
previous years. We've got the Fred's Past netball facility which
(06:24):
is currently out for tender, and we've just ordered a
contract to install field lights on the soccer and rugby
fields at Fred's Pass and upgrades to safety, waste infrastructure,
community facilities. And we're really put a lot of money
into reserves that hasn't ever happened before, and community grants
(06:50):
and local programs as well.
Speaker 1 (06:51):
Now we are going to have to get ready to
wrap up. I know that that community consultation is still open.
What kind of feedback are you're hoping you're here and
what kind of influence will it have if residents do
have their say with the final plan.
Speaker 2 (07:06):
Well, we're not wedded to anything. We're all just residents ourselves,
and we want to make it a plan that reflects
what we can do the best we possibly can for
our residents now and into the future. And all feedback
is welcome and considered, and so consultation runs until the
(07:27):
twenty fifth of May. People can have their say online,
in writing and also at the Lichfield Show. So we'd
love people to come down and give us that feedback
so we can make Lichfield continue to be the best
place to live in the territory.
Speaker 1 (07:42):
Well, Rachel right, the Litchfield Mayor. Really good to catch
up with you this morning. Thanks so much for your time.
Speaker 2 (07:48):
Thank you Katie, Thank you
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