The $77 million budget, allows for an increase of 2.3 per cent in its total net rating requirement, consistent with the March Consumer Price Index for Hobart.
Mayor of Clarence, Alderman Doug Chipman, said the budget had undergone a thorough review process to ensure Council continues to deliver services and infrastructure that enhances liveability for all residents.
“Council’s priority is to deliver a budget that is financially responsible and which limits rates increases. At the same time we need to invest in our city’s future and ensure that we meet the needs of our growing community,” Mayor Chipman said.
“The 2017-18 budget includes $6.25 million for a programme of road reseal, road reconstructions, footpaths, and kerb and gutter renewal,” Mayor Chipman said.
“A significant portion of Council’s budget is capital works expenditure. Key projects planned for the coming year include the construction of a Kangaroo Bay carpark ($1.3m) and Risdon Vale sports pavilion ($970,000), Bayfield Street streetscape works ($500,000) and car parking at Simmons Park ($350,000).
“Sport and recreational facilities continue to be a focus in the city with implementation of the South Arm Oval master plan, irrigation of Wentworth Park, and extension of Clarence’s network of tracks and trails.”
Other key items in the 2017-18 budget include improvements to drainage at Seven Mile Beach/Acton Creek, erosion remediation at Houston Drive, stage two of stormwater harvesting at Cambridge Oval, and DDA facilities at Alma’s Activity Centre in Bellerive.
“Council is proud of the facilities it has been able to provide for the community in recent years, and this budget seeks to build on the significant progress already made,” Mayor Chipman said.
The 2017-18 budget has been prepared in line with Council’s 10 Year Financial Management Plan and Financial Management Strategy.