Randwick City Council has released a debt-free and financially strong draft 2018 Budget & Operational Plan for public comment; marking a decade of balanced budgets and significant infrastructure investment funded entirely without borrowings.

“It’s a point of pride for us that we can go to our residents year after year, and let them know about the plans we have to improve Randwick City, without having to rely on loans,” says Randwick City Mayor, Noel D’Souza. “Instead, we ensure we spend within our means and that all revenue is reinvested into the community.”

The 2017-18 draft Operational Plan and Budget is on public exhibition from 24 April 2017 to 22 May 2017 and sets out Council’s planned activities and costs for the year ahead.

As a result of strong financial management, Council is able to invest $148m in services for the community, including $28.6m in direct capital expenditure for new and upgraded playgrounds, parks, roads and footpaths.

Budget expenditure also includes $8.5m on parks and recreation, $13.1m on roads and new kerb and guttering, $5.8m on buildings and $1.2m on drainage.

These capital works are important in maintaining Randwick City’s focus on creating a liveable city that meets the needs of our diverse population now and into the future.

Heffron Park in Maroubra is proposed to receive $10m with plans underway to construct a new tennis centre and initial planning for the Heffron Centre which will house a gymnastics centre, indoor sports courts and the new home for the South Sydney Rabbitohs. Council’s contribution to the South Sydney Rabbitohs project will be capped at $3M with the remaining funds coming from the club and State and Federal grants.

Council will continue to support residents and businesses during the construction of light rail by investing $7m as part of the Light Rail Support Plan to create more street parking and new town squares in Meeks St, Kingsford and Waratah Ave, Randwick.

There are also plans to extend the Coastal Walkway through the NSW Golf Course at La Perouse. This is part of Council’s long-term plans to create a continuous walkway from Clovelly to La Perouse.

In line with the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal's (IPART) determination of the rate peg for 2017-2018, rates will rise by 1.5%, however this will vary from property to property depending on individual land valuations.

The Operational Plan and Budget will be on display for residents to view and comment from Monday 24 April 2017 until Monday 22 May 2017. The draft plans can be accessed at any of the three libraries within Randwick City, at Council’s Administration Building on Frances Street or online at Have your say - Budget 2017-18

Resources:

Budget highlights by suburb