Randwick City Council adopted its 2016-17 Budget and Operational Plan at a Council meeting yesterday, 28 June 2016.

The Budget and Operational Plan are the key documents that outline Council’s plans, budget, activities and fees and charges for the next 12 months.

The Budget strongly focusses on major works and construction, waste management, library management services as well as parks, recreation and culture.

Key projects include:

• $7.1M for works at Heffron Park, including remediation, building new amenities at Heffron South, a netball amenities facility and planning for the Heffron (Gymnastics) Centre.
• $4M for the Light Rail Support Plan, including creating more on-street parking and public plazas.
• $4.2M to upgrade local roads and footpaths.
• $1.4M to build a synthetic playing field at Latham Park on the border of South Coogee and Maroubra.
• $800K to extend the Coastal Walkway from South Maroubra Beach to Malabar Beach.
• Funds to upgrade the boardwalk through Fred Hollows Reserve, build a stormwater harvesting system at Maroubra Beach, plant more native trees and build new cycleways.

Mayor of Randwick, Noel D’Souza, says the Budget will see major improvements right across Randwick City as well as continuing to deliver day-to-day services at a high level.

“Randwick City Council’s 2016-17 Budget will ensure we maintain existing service levels to the community as well as continuing to develop and improve Randwick City through various Capital Works projects.  Best of all, the Budget will ensure Randwick City remains debt free.

“Over the past decade Randwick Council has developed an enviable reputation for sound and responsible financial management. Through a strict disciplined approach we remain debt free and have strong capital funds to invest in new projects and upgrades.

“The 2016-17 Budget has been prepared with a view for ‘business as usual’ activities to ensure we are able to continue our commitment to the community now and into the future,” said Mayor D’Souza.

The 2016-17 Operational Budget was on exhibition throughout May and public feedback has been taken into account, including considerations around:

• Interpretive signs at Kokoda Park
• Funding for public amenities at La Perouse and Little Bay
• Additional seating at Cromwell Park as part of the proposed playground upgrades
• Increasing the heating capacity of outdoor pools at the Des Renford Leisure Centre
• Footpath repairs on the corner of Bligh Place and Clovelly Road, Randwick.