Randwick City Council’s 2020-21 Operational Plan and Budget, which focuses on helping Randwick residents and businesses recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, was adopted at last night’s Council meeting, Tuesday 28 July 2020.

It includes a support package of initiatives, known as Resilient Randwick, which aims to develop job creation, provide community and business support and assist business recovery. The budget also includes a $48.6M infrastructure program aimed at stimulating the economy and creating more than 3,000 jobs.

“The past few months have presented a considerable challenge to many residents and businesses within our area and we’ve worked hard to identify the ways we can offer tangible and targeted support to alleviate some of the strains people are feeling right now,” stated Randwick Mayor Danny Said.

“We’re supporting our business community by waiving many Council fees and charges, we’re providing grants funding for community support providers and we’re working directly with financially-affected ratepayers by providing flexible repayment plans.”

Infrastructure program

The proposed capital works program will allocate:

• $10.7M to roads, footpaths and cycling facilities;
• $10.4M to planning, renewal and construction of open space and recreation assets including playgrounds;
• $26M for community building projects such as the Matraville Youth and Cultural Hall, Blenheim House, improvements at the Randwick Community Nursery, refurbishment of Coogee Surf Club and master planning for Maroubra Beach;
• $1.5M in drainage construction, including Council’s gross pollutant trap replacement program.

Community and Business Support

An additional $3.7M will be allocated to support and recovery plans for individuals and businesses that have been affected by the pandemic. These will include:

• Interest-free options for rates and annual charges for those facing financial hardship;
• Rental subsidies for six months for childcare, not-for-profit organisations and local small businesses leasing council properties who are facing financial hardship;
• Activation of public places and spaces;
• 100% subsidy for 12 months on business DA fees, footway dining, A-frame signage fees and food safety inspection fees;
• A new Economic Development and Placemaking team to work with local business to support resilience and plan for recovery;
• Grant funding to support the arts industry;
• Support for early intervention domestic and family violence initiatives as well as mental health and suicide awareness initiatives; and
• Help for seniors to combat social isolation.

The budget includes proceeding with the IPART approved rating increase of 5.52%, as well as increasing borrowings by $6.5M to $14.5M in order to carry out these plans.

The 2020-21 Fees and Charges were also adopted at the same Council meeting.