- Latest News
For immediate release
Wednesday, June 01, 2016
2016/17 budget highlights council’s plan for the future
Roads, footpaths, playgrounds, and signage are features of Whyalla City Council’s 2016/17 draft budget.
The council has identified the need for a minimal 1.9 per cent rate increase, which will ensure the provision of council’s services to the community.
Approximately $9 million has been allocated to undertake a capital works program, which includes $5.4 million for the replacement/renewal of existing assets, and $3.6 million for new and upgraded assets.
A focus of the proposed budget is the completing of unfinished portions of the landscape plan, with $500,000 allocated to finalise a number of projects undertaken by the council in recent years.
$100,000 has been budgeted to undertake upgrades of two local playgrounds on the western side of the city, with an additional $100,000 allocated for the installation of fencing around existing playgrounds.
The council will continue to address its backlog of aging infrastructure, with $3.5 million allocated to upgrade local roads, and an additional $200,000 to install and upgrade footpaths throughout the city.
Whyalla City Council acting mayor Tom Antonio said this year’s budget demonstrated the council’s commitment to the community, while recognizing the challenges residents are currently facing.
“The council is aware of the financial challenges facing this community as a result of uncertainty around the future of Arrium,” Mr Antonio said.
“We are proposing a minimal rate increase of 1.9 per cent, which will ensure the continued provision of council services.
“The 2016/17 budget has been prepared on the basis of maintaining an appropriate level of services to the community, while focusing on improving and upgrading key infrastructure throughout the city.”
The council has included in its budget $183,000 to match grant funding for an upgrade to be undertaken at Wilson Park, however this will be dependent on whether the council is successful in the project’s grant application.
This year’s budget has also been prepared with the aim of decreasing the council’s current debt to lenders.
Other major projects proposed in the 2016/17 financial year include upgrades to stormwater management ($300,000), the upgrading and installation of tourism and directional signage ($90,000), and further work to the city’s bike path program ($80,000).
A public consultation event will be held at Whyalla Public Library on Wednesday, June 15 from 6.30pm, giving members of the public a chance to discuss the budget and ask question of staff before submissions close at 5pm on Wednesday, June 22.