Kingborough Council’s draft 2020-21 budget is open for public comment.
Mayor Dean Winter said this year’s budget was probably one of the toughest in the organisation’s history.
“The COVID-19 restrictions have led to an estimated $4 million underlying deficit next year for Council as it tries to juggle four priorities:
- Freezes rate rises for 2020-21
- Maintains staffing levels
- Maintain capital works program
- Limit debt
“It would be irresponsible to inflict a large rate rise on our community at this time and so Council has already made the decision to have a 0 per cent general rate increase next year.”
Members of the public are invited to submit questions or share their concerns on the draft budget and the priority areas.
“COVID-19 has left us with limited options,” Cr Winter said.
“We are opening our budget to public comment so that we can hear people’s questions and concerns, but also so that people can see the challenges faced over coming years,” Cr Winter said.
Cr Winter said businesses struggling with hardship should contact the Council if they are unable to pay their rates.
“We understand that many businesses will need flexibility, and I’d encourage them to visit our website or give us a call to find out what is being offered.”
Kingborough has published an Our Say forum, where people can ask questions and share their concerns. Visit www.oursay.org/kingborough-council/budget2020 You can also submit questions and concerns via email kc@kingborough.tas.gov.au or write to Kingborough Council, 15 Channel Hwy, Kingston 7050. The forum and submissions close on Monday, 8 June 2020.
Further information on capital works budgets
The total capital works budget for 2020/21 is $10.9M
The focus for works includes the revitalisation of central Kingston and improving our water quality along with associated stormwater projects.
Highlights of new works, maintenance and stormwater solutions include:
- Public Toilet improvements approx. $300K
- Sporting ground infrastructure enhancements $700K
- Reserves and play spaces $400K
- Road sealing projects $1.6M
- Road resheeting projects $1.1M
- Brightwater Road widening, Stage 2 $412K
- Channel Highway Kingston (Design) $200K
- Groombridges Road sealing $840K
- Osborne Esplanade pedestrian crossing and DDA ramp $170K
- Algona Road, Stage 2 Stormwater upgrade $383K
- Beach Road, Kingston Stage 2 Stormwater upgrade $242
- Harpers Road, Bonnet Hill stormwater upgrade (road only) $168K
- Taroona Crescent, Stage 2 stormwater upgrade $217K