Budget blow-outs on local projects
CONCERNS have been raised about cost blow-outs on outdoor projects completed by the Clarence Valley Council, with some close to double their budgeted cost.
Grafton
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CONCERNS have been raised about cost blow outs on a number of outdoor projects completed by the Clarence Valley Council, with some close to double their budgeted cost.
During a council meeting last week, Cr Karen Toms questioned why projects such as an upgrade of 770 metres of Wooli Rd had blown out from a budgeted $280,000 to $359,000 and was still not complete.
Rehabilitation and widening work of about 900 metres of Wooli Rd also raised concern, as it went from a budgeted $224,000 to $402,000.
A note to the works report in the council business papers said additional drainage works were required on the project and ongoing wet weather meant reconstruction of the pavement before sealing.
Other projects substantially over budget included rehabilitation of Favourite St, Yamba (budgeted $63,000, actual $118,700), South Grafton CBD upgrade (budgeted $1,355,500, actual $1,537,700) and rehabilitation of Brooms Head Rd, Gulmarrad (budgeted $105,000, actual $181,849).
There were plenty of projects under budget, some by substantial amounts, including Ryan St, South Grafton drainage upgrade (budgeted $120,000, actual $73,800), resealing of sections of the Gwydir Hwy (budgeted $202,000, actual $134,500), and road sealing at Wells Crossing (budgeted $38,000, actual $9500).
Cr Toms said the council needed to keep an eye on costs and make sure cost overruns were not part of a trend.
“There have been some significant overruns,” she said.
“There could be valid reasons why things have gone over budget.”
She expected to get a comprehensive report on why certain projects had been more expensive than predicted.
“I go over the works report because if costs go over I want to know why,” she said.
“I think it is my duty to go over these things and make sure we are keeping to budget.”
Originally published as Budget blow-outs on local projects
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