Shoalhaven residents can now have their say on Council’s draft Delivery Program Operational Plan and Budget 2023-24.
The $482 million draft budget has been allocated to sustain community services while prioritising ongoing asset renewal.
“I’m very glad to see that this budget includes a large portion of funding to continue to remediate our roads while also funding maintenance of existing and new recreational facilities for everyone to enjoy,” said Mayor Amanda Findley.
“We want to hear from the community about whether we’ve got the balance of investment and provision of services right in these economically challenging times,” Cr Findley said.
The delivery program includes $157 million for capital works, including $32 million for road construction that continues to prioritise maintenance and repairs of the road network.
Construction of the new federally funded $32 million Far North Collector Road Network will be completed, which will alleviate traffic congestion in North Nowra.
This year, $7.7 million will be spent on sewer and water infrastructure installed in the Moss Vale Road Urban Release Areas in preparation for new housing as well as more than $32 million on major Shoalhaven Water infrastructure projects in Vincentia, Mundamia and South Nowra.
More than $18.3 million has been allocated to open space, sport and recreation developments, including the development of the Ulladulla Skate Park, sports and recreation facilities at Boongaree, Berry and completion of new sports facilities at Artie Smith Oval, Bomaderry.
The draft budget includes a 4.6 per cent rates income increase that is the maximum allowed rate peg. This is independent of the recent Valuer General revaluation of all land in the Shoalhaven that saw the average property values double since the last valuations in 2019.
Council recommends people use the online rates calculator that’s available on its website to understand their new rates.
The draft documents can be viewed on the Get Involved page and submissions close on Wednesday 14 June 2023.
