Major roadworks and construction are the focus of Byron Shire Council’s recently endorsed budget, with $41.3m being invested in infrastructure over 12 months, say staff.
Newly appointed general manager Mark Arnold said there was ‘plenty of good news’ in the $120 million budget.
‘Our plan delivers on what the community told us its vision is and the Community Solutions Panel’s infrastructure priorities,’ Mr Arnold said.
‘This year’s budget puts these priorities into action – you’ll see an increased investment in road reconstruction, renewal and maintenance.
‘It’s also a great win for the environment, with funding for clean-energy projects and initiatives that will create a sustainable future for us all’.
The budget is explained in a Community Update being sent out with the next rates notice and it is also available on Council’s website.
Staff have broken the budget down into 12 main areas of spending to show the breadth of works and services and what the costs are.
Breakdown
The major spending commitment is clearly on infrastructure and the breakdown of every $100 spent by Council is:
• $34 to major road works and construction
• $10 to sewerage operations
• $9 to parks, sportsfields, beaches and bush regeneration
• $8 to maintain roads, bridges, footpaths and drains
• $8 to recycling and waste services
• $7 to water operations
• $7 to natural environment, planning and development
• $7 to community buildings and pools
• $5 to community services, libraries and childcare
• $1 to emergency services
• $2 enforcement and environmental health
• $2 to administration and governance.
‘Importantly this is the second year of the special rate variation, which will provide an additional $2.276 million for asset renewal and maintenance,’ Mr Arnold said.
‘20.4 kilometres of roads are scheduled to be resealed and for the first time in current times Council will be investing $200,000 in a gravel re-sheet program and a further $200,000 in a heavy- patch program,’ he added.
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