Monday, November 11, 2024

Shoalhaven $482m draft budget released

Shoalhaven City Council has released its draft Delivery Program Operational Plan and Budget 2023-24 for public feedback.

Mayor, Amanda Findley said the $482 million draft budget had been allocated to sustain community services while prioritising ongoing asset renewal.

“I’m very glad to see that this budget includes a large portion of funding to continue to remediate our roads while also funding maintenance of existing and new recreational facilities for everyone to enjoy.”

“We want to hear from the community about whether we’ve got the balance of investment and provision of services right in these economically challenging times,” Mayor Findley said.

The delivery program includes $157 million for capital works, including $32 million for road construction that continues to prioritise maintenance and repairs of the road network.

The Council has allocated $7.7 million for sewer and water infrastructure installed in the Moss Vale Road Urban Release Areas in preparation for new housing, along with more than $32 million on major Shoalhaven Water infrastructure projects in Vincentia, Mundamia and South Nowra.

More than $18.3 million has been earmarked for open space, sport and recreation developments, including the development of the Ulladulla Skate Park, sports and recreation facilities at Boongaree, Berry and completion of new sports facilities at Artie Smith Oval, Bomaderry.

The draft budget includes a 4.6% rates income increase that is the maximum allowed rate peg. This is independent of the recent Valuer General revaluation of all land in the Shoalhaven that saw the average property values double since the last valuations in 2019, Council said in a statement.

The draft documents can be viewed here: Get Involved page. Submissions close on 14 June.

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