The draft Northern Beaches Council 2022/23 budget has a focus on resilience, renewal and recovery as we emerge from the impacts of COVID-19 and numerous serious weather events, storms, floods and coastal erosion.

It includes an operating surplus of $9.4m, debt repayment of $5m and an $85m investment in both new and renewed capital projects.

Highlights include:

  • $8.8m stormwater management projects - reducing stormwater runoff and improving stormwater quality entering the natural environment
  • $7.6m road resheeting – renewal of 10.7km of road in 25 suburbs. A further $1.5m is assigned to renew adjoining kerb and gutter where required
  • $4.4m footpaths – new and renewal
  • $3.8m playgrounds at Brickpit, Rabbett and Akora Reserves, Frenchs Forest and Lynne Czinner Park, Warriewood
  • Foreshore upgrades to seawalls at Bayview and improved access and landscaping at Warriewood Beach
  • $1.8m for a new boardwalk at Manly Dam
  • New fitness stations at Lionel Watts and Forestville War Memorial Park
  • $1m renewal of Paradise Beach and Clontarf tidal pools
  • Energy efficiency projects at five Council sites including solar panels for Cromer Works Depot

The draft budget will be on public exhibition until 29 May along with a range of other important documents being reviewed as part of the requirements for a new Council. These include drafts of the Community Strategic Plan, Resourcing Strategy (Workforce Management Strategy, Long-Term Financial Plan, Asset Management Strategy and Plan), Delivery Program and Pricing Policy.

Mayor Michael Regan encouraged the community to have their say.

“It’s been a tough few years on the bottom lines of most businesses and organisations and Council has not been immune,” Mayor Regan said.

“Fortunately, we went into the pandemic, and ensuing flood and storm events, in a strong financial position. Our prudent expenditure and regular reviews have meant we have been able to absorb the brunt of the impacts.

“This budget is about getting back to basics, making sure our community infrastructure – our roads, footpaths, coastal and stormwater assets – are repaired and renewed which costs less for ratepayers in the long term.

“We continue to pay down legacy debt, allocating another $5m in this draft budget. Since 2016, Council will have repaid $77m in inherited debt, again strengthening our financial sustainability for the future.

“Our focus continues to be on delivering on the priorities our community has confirmed – protecting and enhancing our environment, improving community infrastructure and providing quality services in a financially responsible way,” he said.

The community can have their say on the draft budget and other guiding documents at Your Say from Friday 29 April.

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