Upgrading the Illawarra Regional Airport is the big ticket item in Shellharbour City Council's budget for next year.
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The draft four-year delivery program and one-year operational plan was released at the council meeting on Tuesday.
Shellharbour Mayor Marianne Saliba said the council has allocated $42.8 million on capital projects for the next financial year, which was split into $22.8 million on renewal projects and $20 million on new projects.
"In this budget, council will deliver projects of significant importance to our community to enhance their lives and set the pathway for the future of our city," Cr Saliba said. "This is a budget that is meeting the needs of the people of Shellharbour City.
"We have listened through the strategic plan and we are working on ensuring that we have great open spaces, good roads and fantastic infrastructure that people will benefit from.
"The airport upgrade is a $20 million project and we are spending about $6 million (of a state government grant) in 19/20 budget."
The upgrade will include two new aprons, which are where aircraft are parked, unloaded or loaded, refueled, or boarded, as well improvements to the terminal, lighting and an area for 13 serviced hangers.
Rates will increase by 2.7 per cent in line with the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal cap next financial year.
There will be almost $1 million in upgrades to Albion Park and Oak Flats pools including heating, blankets, outdoor exercise equipment, hydraulic pool lift, an infant splash park, footpaths and barbecue shelters.
More than $750,000 will be spent on Reddall Reserve and McDonald Park playground upgrades, which will include new play equipment and amenities.
The construction of the new Warilla Library and improvements to Oak Flats Library will be complete and Cr Saliba hopes more visitors and members will join as a result of the work.
"Work has commenced on the $7 million Warilla Library project and we are looking to have it finished by the end of the year," she said. "We are increasing not decreasing our library services."
The Links stage two building modification will commence with a strong focus on creating a family-friendly environment.
Blackbutt Dam spillway will be improved and work will continue on the Skiway Park Promenade renewal, which began in 2018/19.
The budget does not include free waste pick ups.
Dunmore Road, Buckleys Road, Kingston Street, Carrington Street and College Avenue are just some of the roads earmarked for renewal.
Tongarra Road, Wollongong Street and Balarang Reserve will get new shared paths.
Car parks at Mary Street North in Shellharbour and Creamery Road in Albion Park Rail will be upgraded as will Albion Park Showground.
Cr Saliba encouraged the community to provide feedback to council. The documents will go on public exhibition on April 12 until May 9.
"We want to know if we are meeting the community's expectations," she said.
Cr Saliba said the council did take on board community feedback and last year allocated an extra $200,000 to upgrade play equipment after consultation.
