Council Budget Benefits For the Community

Council's operating budget for the coming financial year will be in the order of $54.5 million dollars. Approximately 64% of income will be sourced from general rates and utility rates and charges. This will be strongly supported by income received from grants and contributions in the order of $7 million, operating revenue such as proceeds from leasing Council's properties of in excess of $5.2 million and interest $1.5 million and fees and charges for Council services $5.6 million.

"The 3.2 per cent rise in rates is dictated by the State government and implementing the full increase is necessary for Council to maintain and improve its services and facilities to the community:" said the Mayor of Hawkesbury Councillor Bart Bassett.

"What is really important is for ratepayers to understand some of the major benefits that they will receive for their rate dollar" Councillor Bassett added.

$9.5 million will be spent on capital improvements in the City during the 2008/2009 period. The majority of this, $5.7 million will be spent in the area of infrastructure.

Childcare centres stand to benefit out of this year's budget with air conditioning to be installed in the Stewart Street Child Care Centre, Wilberforce Long Day Care to receive improvements to its kitchen area and Richmond Occasional Care Centre to receive a shade shelter.

Additional amenities are to be provided at Bligh Park Tennis Courts and major improvements to alfresco dining facilities throughout the area will be made to attract additional tourism.

Playgrounds will receive an investment of $200,000 with work to be carried out to replace
playgrounds throughout the City.

Our libraries will get a boost with $279,000 being supplied to purchase new books, cd's, videos and DVDs as well as providing some additional facilities.

Significant road construction works are budgeted under the Capital Works Program including a major project at Hermitage Road, Kurrajong with $215,000 being set aside for rehabilitation of sections of failed road pavement together with some road widening.

A joint project with the Roads and Traffic Authority will see Council contribute $168,000 towards a repair program on Freeman's Reach Road, Freeman's Reach. New foot paving will be provided in Mileham Street , Windsor from Woods Road to Drummond Street.

In excess of $800,000 will be used to fund drainage and kerb and gutter works throughout the City.

In addition to funds provided under the Capital Works Program, the Infrastructure Renewal Program which provides for a works program valued at $15million dollars over a ten year period will this year fund an additional $767,000 on road works. Richmond Park will receive a facelift with pathways, lighting, furniture and landscaping and the Upper Colo Road timber bridge will be replaced.

Another big ticket item in this program is the refurbishment of the Richmond Pool with $350,000 being allocated for this purpose.

"The budget for the 2008/2009 period will be balanced and is focussed on the future by aligning Council's long term financial plan with its strategic plan. Above all we aim to improve Council's financial position so that it can meet the infrastructure renewal challenge it is faced with." concluded the Mayor of Hawkesbury.

Contact details
Hawkesbury City Council
Tel: 02 4560 4444
Fax: 02 4560 4400
council@hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au

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