Shellharbour’s civic centre will take up more than half the council’s capital works budget in the coming financial year, with $35.54 million to be allocated to the controversial project.
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The council’s draft annual plan reveals an overall capital spend of $66.28 million in 2016/17, meaning the City Hub – as it was known – will take up 53 per cent of all public works spending.
In comparison, the renewal or creation of new roads, footpaths, pipes and sports amenities across the whole local government area will be allocated just $9.67 million – just under 15 per cent of the yearly budget. $8.4 million raised from the council’s special rate increase will fund renewal of these assets.
In the budget papers, Mayor Marianne Saliba said the lavish civic centre was “a milestone project for the community, which needs a city library, museum and its own public auditorium to serve it now and into the future”.
The architecturally crafted design will become apparent as it nears completion by the end of the financial year
- Marianne Saliba
“The architecturally crafted design will become apparent as it nears completion by the end of the 2016/17 financial year,” she said.
She also noted the NSW government’s merger proposal had put the council in an “uncertain environment” but said it was important to continue to plan for the future by adopting an annual plan that aligned with the city’s 10 year strategic plan.
The council’s overall spending on public works has leapt by 37 per cent, from $48.22 million in 2015/16.
Aside from the hub, another priority project for the next financial year will be the redevelopment of Dunmore waste recovery site.
The council plans to spend $5.88 million on an organics processing facility, making it possible to turn kitchen and garden waste into a viable commodity. Residents will have their green garden waste bins – which will also be able to take food scraps – emptied weekly from July 1.
“The introduction of the Food Organics and Garden Organics weekly [bin] collection system will be a large change for the community to undertake,” Cr Saliba said.
“It is hoped that with the cooperation of residents, we can reduce waste and improve our local environment.”
Additionally, about $1.5 million will be spent on design and land for the Tripoli Way extension, the first stage of the Albion Park bypass. And about $3 million will go towards the new Warilla library.
Also under the draft plan, there are 66 road resurfacing and footpath replacements proposed, along with 12 stormwater renewal projects and 12 projects to improve or renew parks and sportsfields.
Residents will contribute $55 million to the budget in rates and charges – up from $49.5 million in 2015/16 – while $38 million is projected to flow from the sale of investments. About $23 million will come from user fees and $32 million will be spent on the council’s employees.
The draft plan will be open for public comment from April 9 to May 9.
