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Investing in our future
Whyalla City Council will continue to invest in the city’s future, budgeting significant funds to undertake a range of exciting projects in 2017/18.
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 $8.6 million has been allocated to undertake a capital works program, which includes $5.6 million for the replacement/renewal of existing assets, and $3 million for new and upgraded assets.
$442,000 has been budgeted to undertake upgrades of local district parks and reserves, subject to funding.
The council will continue to address its backlog of aging infrastructure, with $2.5 million allocated to upgrade sealed roads, $200,000 to upgrade unsealed roads, and an additional $225,000 to install and upgrade footpaths throughout the city.
A major redevelopment of the Whyalla jetty will be undertaken, with $1.1 million budgeted for the development of a new facility.
An upgrade of the Whyalla marina will complement the jetty redevelopment, with $150,000 budgeted for the marina upgrade and a further $150,000 for the strengthening of the marina’s breakwater.
The council will continue to support and foster community engagement and tourism activity, with $80,000 budgeted for the employment of an events development officer.
The events development officer will focus on assisting community groups with the development of local events to foster a better economic result from events, develop new tourism focused events and encourage tourism activity within the city.
In an effort to reduce the financial impact on residents, the council is not imposing any increases to waste fees.
Boat launching fees will also be removed, allowing boat owners to launch their boats from the Whyalla marina free of charge.
A 6 per cent decrease in the Natural Resource Management (NRM) levy for residential properties will also be a welcome addition to this year’s budget.
A continued focus on tourism development will see $100,000 allocated for infrastructure at Cuttlefish Drive, and a further $200,000 for the implementation of the Northern Coastline Masterplan, as well as $100,000 for town entry statements on the Lincoln Highway.
An initial allocation of $80,000 for the Mount Laura Homestead will support future master planning activity to further develop the facility into a thriving tourism attraction.
Whyalla City Council mayor Lyn Breuer said this year’s budget demonstrated the council’s continued commitment to the community, while recognising the challenges residents are currently facing.
“The council is aware of the financial challenges facing this community as a result of uncertainty,” Ms Breuer said.
“We are proposing a minimal rate increase of 1.9 per cent, which will ensure the continued provision of council services.
“The 2017/18 budget has been prepared on the basis of maintaining an appropriate level of services, while focusing on improving and upgrading existing infrastructure throughout the city.”
This year’s budget has also been prepared with the aim of decreasing the council’s current debt to lenders.
A public consultation event will be held at Whyalla Public Library on Tuesday, June 13 at 6.30pm, giving members of the public a chance to discuss the budget and ask question of staff before submissions close at 5pm on Thursday, June 15.