The council adopted its revised 2017-21 Delivery Program and 2018-19 Operational Plan at the Tuesday, June 26 meeting.

“This is a major document and we have had five submissions, and one speaker,” he said.

The speaker, Owen Cartlege, of Malua Bay, said he was unhappy with the document. He suggested, if the council wanted more engagement, it should provide a more detailed breakdown of spending.

“The greatest disappointment is the failure to create an alternative budget with more community voice,” he said.

“I am also disappointed in the failure of the ERA (Eurobodalla Ratepayers Association)  to not support the platform of no Special Rate Variation they were elected on a few years ago.

“The budget is opaque – the presence or absence of corporate overheads is unknown.

“The aggregation of activities in budget papers creates mysteries and secrets – for example, the mystery shoppers program.”

Mayor Liz Innes said she was “sad”  to hear Mr Cartledge was disappointed – but she backed the document.

“In years to come I am sure we will see recognition of this council’s efforts,” she said.

“I am very proud of what we have achieved.

“The wheels of government can be slower than what would be desired – processes must be undertaken and we endeavour to bring the community with us.”

Mr Cartledge was particularly critical of council-run community programs.

“I would query the role of council in assisting mothers to adjust to sending their children to school, synchronising community health experience and employment, and teaching children to drive,” he said.

“These are obligations for people other than ratepayers.”

Cr Innes said state and federal grants funded such programs, which were enormously positive. However, Mr Cartledge said they were a “waste”.

“It concerns me that council is not going to turn down money, and some is misdirected, when that money could be better spent,” he said.

“We all accept it’s easier to waste someone else’s money than our own.”