The 2018-19 budget provides for an increase in the total rating impost of 2.6 per cent, net of the State Government Fire Levy. In addition to general cost increases, major impacts on Council’s budget include a significant rise in the price of processing recyclables and a loss of dividends from TasWater in excess of $1 million.
“This is a responsible budget that includes a modest rate increase which ensures we continue to improve infrastructure and levels of services in our expanding city,” Mayor of Clarence, Alderman Doug Chipman said.
“Last year Clarence had the highest population growth for a local government area in Tasmania. Council is committed to investing in services and programs for all age groups, continuing to improve our community so that all residents get the best from living in our city.”
Key budget expenditure items include:
- Upgrade of Derwent Avenue from Sunhaven Avenue to Musgrove Road in Geilston Bay ($600,000)
- Kangaroo Bay public pier and breakwater ($590,000)
- Drainage improvements at South Arm ($420,000)
- A new park at Blossom Court in Cambridge ($350,000)
- Lighting upgrade and catching nets at Risdon Vale Oval ($295,000)
- Storm culverts works at Bilney Street in Richmond ($220,000)
- Disability Discrimination Act compliant public toilets at Calverton Hall ($200,000)
- Upgrade of visitor change rooms at Lauderdale Oval for the ‘levelling playing field’ program to boost girls and women’s participation in sport ($92,000)
- Upgrade of play equipment at the Village Green in Richmond ($80,000)
- Development of a master plan for Clarence Plains ($65,000)
Council will continue to focus on improvements to road infrastructure with $5m allocated for road reconstruction and resealing and $1.28m on the renewal of footpaths, kerb and gutter.
Along with other Australian Councils, recycling costs have increased due to higher quality control requirements for products exported to China. This, along with high demand for the popular annual hardwaste collection service, has contributed to an additional $254,000 being required to meet waste collection costs.