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June 6, 2014
Issue 47
Council adopts 2014/15 budget “While the total yong Council has adopted its Annual Plan and Budget for any previously in this the services and facilities increase in Ordinary Council provides,” said Council’s history,” said 2014/15 with over $340 million in works and services in the Rates will be equal to Mr Whittaker. mayor Cr Eaton. pipeline.
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The Strategic Plan 2014-2018 comes good on Council’s promise to reinvest past efficiency savings and much-needed asset improvements with a record-breaking capital works program for 2014/15 of just over $100 million. “This is what our community has told us they want and it is very satisfying to be in a position to say that we have the financial capability to deliver on it,” said mayor Cr Doug Eaton. “Not only is our capital works investment at an all-time high, but we have signed off on a balanced budget with a modest surplus. “Apart from the City of Sydney, Wyong Shire Council is now well and truly the biggest investor in community infrastructure out of any Council in NSW, with comparable sized Councils like Liverpool, Parramatta and Newcastle all spending less than $50 million. “The extensive works program has been made possible only after several years of organisational reform and demonstrates a major investment in the Shire’s road and transport network, as well as in leisure and recreation assets highlighted by the construction of The Art
House and Norah Head Boat Ramp. “Investment in essential infrastructure is a key priority, with $70 million to be spent on roads, footpaths and drainage, with $10.1 million being spent on addressing our asset backlog due to the community’s support to increase revenue via a four-year Special Rate Variation. “Playgrounds, water and sewerage infrastructure, footpaths,
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and fire trails will also get their fair share of attention in addition to high profile projects like the new cinemas at Lake Haven, reconstruction of historic Alison Homestead, the design of a regional sporting facility at Pioneer Dairy and a Masterplan for Ourimbah Town Centre. “On behalf of my fellow councillors and our hard-working staff, I can honestly say that this year’s plan has set the bar higher than
General manager Mr Michael Whittaker said the plan didn’t just deliver on ‘hard’ assets but showed the leadership role that council was playing to drive the transformation of the local economy and reduce the need for residents to commute out of the area. “In 2014/15 we will move ahead with studies for a regional airport, plans to create an education precinct with a regional university, and help to facilitate employment-generating investments like a motor sports precinct, aged care facilities and the redevelopment of 28 ‘iconic’ sites. “Critical to our success continues to be strong partnerships – be it with local business and arts groups, the aviation industry, volunteers or other levels of government – and we are committed to pooling our efforts with others wherever it gets us the best outcome for our community. “Internally, our organisation will continue to review our operations to create more customerfriendly experiences.” “The adoption of the Strategic Plan includes the introduction of a new rate structure which achieves a more equitable share of the rates burden to fund
Council’s chief financial officer Mr Stephen Naven said the introduction of a new ‘minimum rate’ followed a review of the existing structure. “We weighed up the merits of our rating structure and found that a more equitable distribution system was available and in use by the majority of other councils.
6.9% more than last year, for over 79% of properties the actual increase will be less than this. “For the average residential ratepayer, their 2014/15 rates will go up from $926 to $990 from 1 July, or around $1.23 per week.
Budget Fast Facts
Sporting fields and Natural areas. Combined (capital and operating) expenditure on essential services $111 million for Essential Water and Sewer $70 Million on Roads $43 Million on Waste Management
Total expenditure 2014/15 - $242.1 million Total revenue 2014/15 - $242.7 million Expected surplus 2014/15 - $600,000 Increase in Ordinary Rates for the average residential ratepayer $64 per year $100 Million in capital works $28 million for Water and Sewer $27 Million on Roads and Drainage $12 Million on Community Facilities $10 Million on Economic Development $240 Million on over 90 essential community services $83 million for Water and Sewer $42 Million on Roads Maintenance $39 Million on Waste Management $20 Million on Parks,
Media release, 28 May 2014 Wyong Council media
Key projects 2014/15 • Construction of The Art House - $9.5m • New cinemas at Lake Haven - $6.7m • Upgrade Norah Head Boat Ramp - $1.7m • Upgrade Ashton Ave, The Entrance - $1.6m • Upgrade Goorama Ave, San Remo - $1.5m • Rebuild Alison Homestead - $1m • Replace Saltwater Creek Footbridge, Long Jetty $900,000 • Pioneer Dairy Sportsgrounds - $500,000 •Masterplan for the Ourimbah Town Centre $150,000
the Wyong Shire