Pensioners receive boost to rates rebate as part of 2018-19 Council Budget
- Published Date
- 27/06/2018
- News Topic
- Planning & Development, Upgrades & Improvements, Council, Seniors
Randwick City’s 4,500 pensioner ratepayers will receive a small boost from 1 July 2018 as part of Randwick Council’s 2018-19 Budget & Operational Plan with the annual pensioner rebate increasing by $75 to $325.
The increased rebate is available to residential property owners who are also holders of a pensioner concession card.
The increased rebate was endorsed by Randwick Councillors at a Council meeting on 26 June 2018 as part of Council’s Budget for the upcoming financial year following a month-long community consultation program in May.
The Budget is set to deliver a sizable $70M in new community initiatives, programs and activities.
“This is a big and exciting budget for our community,” Randwick Mayor Lindsay Shurey said.
“It’s big on important new projects and building works and will deliver or start the process of delivering some exciting new facilities for our community.
“Council’s finances are in a good position with total operating revenue of $157M and compliance with all seven of the State Government required financial indicators.
“We will also commence the first year of Council’s Our Community Our Future program which will help deliver $67M in new community initiatives, programs and activities.
“This includes 4.9km of road upgrades, 3km of new and improved footpaths, two major playground upgrades, undergrounding powerlines and various building and public toilet upgrades.
“Funding is also allocated to progress design work on a new Gymnastics and Indoors Sports Centre and Cultural Centre.
“This Budget delivers for the community what we promised. We’re continuing our tradition of responsible and sound financial practices and getting on with the business of providing the community with top quality services, facilities and programs.
“I’m particularly excited to be investing in our arts and local culture with design work to start on upgrading the La Perouse Museum and designing a new Cultural Centre at Blenheim House in Randwick as well as new public art.
“I’m also pleased we are taking responsible steps to address domestic violence with an innovative strategy to support women exiting crisis accommodation into medium term accommodation,” Mayor Shurey said.
The 2018-19 Budget is the first year of Council’s Our Community Our Future Special Rate Variation program which was widely consulted with the community and approved by the Independent Pricing & Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) in May 2018.
Residential rates increase on average by 5.52% in 2018-19 which for the average ratepayer paying about $1,223 a year is an increase of $64.
The domestic waste charge which covers the cost of collecting rubbish, recycling, green waste and providing four clean-up services per household per year will increase by $14 to $568.
Budget snapshot - How it impacts your suburb
Budget highlights
- 4.9km road repaving works
- 3km new and upgraded footpaths
- La Perouse Museum upgrade
- New Cultural Centre
- New indoor sports and gymnastics Centre, goal posts and fencing at Heffron Park
- Playground upgrades in La Perouse, Kensington, Coogee and Maroubra
- Walking and cycling improvements including new separated cycleway connecting with Kingsford light rail terminal
- public wifi
- Anti-terrorism works
- Coastal Walkway extension around golf courses
- Stormwater harvesting at Maroubra Beach
- New tree management system
- Randwick Environment Park boardwalk extension