05 May, 2014

Add your voice to Council’s year ahead

The community can have their say on City of Adelaide’s draft 2014/15 Business Plan and Budget, open for consultation from 5 to 26 May.

Lord Mayor Stephen Yarwood is encouraging the community to give feedback on how the Council plans to manage its $200 million annual expenditure and $1.2 billion in assets during the next 12 months.

“This year’s budget is very much about looking after practical infrastructure like footpaths and roads in the City and North Adelaide,” Stephen said.

“The draft budget sees an investment of $30 million in asset maintenance and renewals – an increase of $8 million compared to last year along with a number of great projects, including a range of new asset investments totalling $12 million, and operating projects to the value of $11.6 million.”

“Investment in curating our public spaces around the city is at $22.6 million, which includes maintaining our Park Lands, as well as local parks and gardens, street cleansing and the like,” he said.

“This is the current Council’s last year before elections in November and we’ve chosen to treat this budget as one of consolidation for completing existing projects, meeting commitments that are co-funded, along with funding a number of smaller projects.

“This leaves the door open for the new elected members, to be appointed in November, to work with the community and key stakeholders to decide investment priorities for the future of the city,” Stephen said.

Councillor Houssam Abiad, Chair of Council’s Finance and Governance Committee, worked closely with elected members and staff to develop the draft Business Plan and Budget.

“The Council delivers a diversity of projects and services and we’re involved in a huge range of activities supporting the city community and its various users,” he said.

“For example, we’re investing more than $1.9 million at the Adelaide Aquatic Centre to make it a much more environmentally sustainable operation, and more cost effective to operate for ratepayers.

“We’re also committing $6 million to complete the Rundle Mall upgrade, while $400,000 has been budgeted towards the completion of the Park Lands trail, in addition to $1.4 million to deliver better pedestrian, cycling and public transport outcomes for the city and North Adelaide.

“There is also a further $375,000 earmarked for Park Lands improvement projects, in addition to an estimated $10 million that we spend annually to maintain the Park Lands,” Houssam said.

Other key projects in the draft 14/15 Business Plan and Budget include:

• The $1 million Residential Streets Development program, which continues after the inaugural program generated strong support from community groups and residents.
• More than $5 million in our road networks as part the Council’s ongoing commitment to improving the standards of our critical assets.
• The $1 million City Activation Fund which underpins Council’s efforts to add vibrancy and energy to city streets through well established programs like Splash Adelaide.
• More than $1.2 million will be invested in 2014/15 in our Park Lands and Squares, as part of our ongoing commitment to tree planting, management and street-scaping.
• A $930,000 contribution towards the Brownhill and Keswick Creek Flood Management project.
• $325,000 towards a Victoria Park drainage improvement project around Halifax Street and East Terrace.
• $410,000 towards creek rehabilitation projects across the Council region to improve flood management and biodiversity outcomes.
• More than $710,000 toward electrical infrastructure renewals, including a $210,000 upgrade in Elder Park.
• $900,000 to conserve and upgrade aspects of the Town Hall.
• $1.1 million to heritage structures like Lounders Boat Shed and within Victoria Park.
• More than $1.7 million will help to maintain and upgrade footpaths.

Importantly, the Council will continue to deliver an array of community services and activities including community centres, libraries, the provision of home and community care services, free training programs and business support through Enterprise Adelaide.

Public consultation is open from 5-26 May. Feedback can be provided in a range of ways:

• Online at http://www.yoursay.cityofadelaide.com.au, via email at [email protected]
• In writing c/o Community Consultation, 14-15 Business Plan & Budget, GPO Box 2252, Adelaide, 5001
• By visiting our Information Booth at the Customer Service Centre and City Library (check our website for days and times)
• You can also speak at a public hearing on Wednesday 4 June at 5.30pm at the Adelaide Town Hall. Remember, you have to indicate your wish to speak within your submission.

All feedback from the consultation period is presented to the Council to help form a final Business Plan and Budget, which is anticipated to be endorsed by the Council in June.

For more information, please visit: www.yoursay.cityofadelaide.com.au.

David Hill