Bikeways project among projects delayed to help City Council battle COVID-19 impact
A bikeway connecting the city’s east and west ends are among projects expected to be delayed as Adelaide City Council grapples with economic impacts of coronavirus.
City
Don't miss out on the headlines from City. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Adelaide City Council to find ways to lower spending next financial year
- Get the most out of your Advertiser subscription
The CBD bikeways project is among those set to be delayed, as Adelaide City Council tries to find $24.7 million in savings to deal with the economic impact of COVID-19.
The Council will, on Tuesday night, discuss a report into its financial performance this quarter, which includes re-timing and reducing the scope of some projects.
Big ticket items that will be reduced include delaying completion of the north-south and east-west separated bikeways project to save about $1.3 million, suspending the market to riverbank laneway renewal at a cost of $1.4 million and re-prioritising the Melbourne, O’Connell and Hutt streets masterplan to free up $232,000.
Adelaide City Council Lord Mayor Sandy Verschoor said the council intended to deliver all delayed projects.
“We need to make sure we are in a financially sustainable position,” Ms Verschoor said.
She said she was determined to finish the bikeways project, set to be delayed a third time, by the end of the council term in 2022.
Plans for the bikeways have been in the pipeline since July 2016.
Meanwhile, Deputy Lord Mayor Alexander Hyde said masterplans should be prioritised.
“They are all about reinvigorating the mainstreets, so helping get people back into the city,” Cr Hyde said.
MORE NEWS
Two men dead in horror head on
Zone for new super school revealed
SANFL players to watch this season
According to the report, the council has lost $9.4 million revenue, including $5.5 million from scaled-back commercial operations and $4.2 million from reduced on-street carparking and expiations.
The council is also set to freeze the rate in the dollar, which would provide “financial assistance and relief … of approximately $2.1 million”.
The council committee will discuss the report on Tuesday night.