254 playgrounds, 122 sportsfields, 21 surf club buildings, 6 libraries, 41 community centres, 15 child care sites, 2 aquatic centres, 15 rockpools, a regional art gallery, a 400-seat theatre, wharves, walking tracks, cycleways, roads and footpaths…there is plenty of competition for how to spend Council’s annual budget!

 The 2021/22 Budget will see a record $125million spend on new and existing infrastructure, will pay down another $5million in debt and deliver a reduction in rates to 76% of households through harmonisation. 

 Residents often ask how we decide which park, road or footpath gets priority. There is a science behind it.

 We have over $2.9 billion worth of infrastructure assets and a 10-year plan to guide what is renewed when. Keeping our parks, playgrounds, pools and buildings well-maintained costs ratepayers less in the long term. 

Since amalgamation we have had a real focus on getting all our assets up to standard. We now have 80% rated as in excellent or good condition. So we need to keep those at the standard our community expect and focus on getting the other 20% up to scratch.   

We also have sophisticated road condition modelling system that allows us to make upgrades to roads that are in reasonable condition to prevent more costly repairs down the track.

And, of course, in some cases, while a building might be structurally sound, it’s outgrown its purpose and needs to be replaced to meet current community needs. 

In 2021/22 there are exciting new capital projects like Mona Vale and Long Reef surf clubs, Warriewood Community Centre, new playgrounds, shopping precinct upgrades and new amenities. But there is also significant expenditure on just making sure our existing community infrastructure is meeting our standards.

Thanks to everyone who had their say through the budget development process. We do consider all feedback and where infrastructure improvements can’t be addressed this year, I can assure you they are factored in our long term plans.

Have a great weekend.