2023-24 Local Government Performance Reporting
Published on 15 November 2024
Mansfield Shire Council showed strong financial performance last financial year according to statewide indicators.
The Local Government Performance Reporting Framework (LGPRF) is a mandatory system of reporting using 59 performance indicators that allow comparisons across all Victorian councils. The LGPRF data for 2023-24 has now been released.
As well as comparing to other councils across the state, officers at Mansfield Shire Council reviewed Council’s performance in comparison to 5 similar small rural councils. The data shows Mansfield is successfully keeping rates below average while delivering services to a similar value as other councils, as well as a huge capital works program.
Mansfield’s average rate charged to property owners was $1,676, compared with averages of $1,883 across Victoria and $2,045 across the 5 comparison councils.
On the other hand, Council’s expenses per head of municipal population were close to the average of comparison councils, meaning Mansfield Shire Council was still able to fund a standard level of services.
Council’s success in advocating for funding has allowed it to maintain lower rates for ratepayers while still delivering services. The LGPRF data shows Mansfield received $302 in ongoing grant funding per head of population, compared with averages of $191 for comparison councils and $216 across the state.
The record capital works program was reflected in Council’s spend on renewing and upgrading assets, such as our extensive road network. In a single year Council invested more than double the annual depreciation value of all assets – far higher than the average of comparison councils.
Like most councils, Mansfield reported an adjusted underlying deficit of 8% for 2023-24, caused by a delay in receiving the annual Financial Assistant Grant. Mansfield nonetheless outperformed all comparison councils, which averaged a 20% deficit. With the Financial Assistant Grant factored in, Council in fact achieved a surplus.
Chief Executive Officer Kirsten Alexander said the LGPRF data provided an important opportunity for Council to benchmark its performance.
“The indicators let us see where our performance has been strong or weak compared to other councils,” she said.
“Our financial performance has been strong, and we have effectively advocated for funding to meet our Shire’s needs.
As well as ongoing grants, Council continues to actively seek funding for projects and other initiatives,” Ms Alexander said.
The LGPRF data is publicly available via the Victorian Government’s Know Your Council website: vic.gov.au/know-your-council.