$25m profits points to Northern Beaches Council merger success

The first year of an elected Northern Beaches Council has seen an operating surplus of almost $25 million, according to the annual report. It has prompted the mayor to reveal why he considers amalgamation a success.

Northern Beaches Council Mayor Michael Regan hails the merger a success. Picture: Adam Yip / Manly Daily

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THE first year of an elected Northern Beaches Council has seen an operating surplus of almost $25 million, according to the annual report.

The money, left over from operational efficiencies in areas such as staffing and new waste contracts for the merged council, will be pumped into infrastructure projects and paying down pre-merger debt.

The Whistler St Carpark in 2014.

“It’s great news for our community that we have an operating surplus,” Mayor Michael Regan said.

“Amalgamation promised to fix previously run-down or neglected assets like scout halls, sports amenity blocks and ocean pools.

“With the savings, we are returning them to the community by investing in not only more infrastructure and services but fixing and carrying out maintenance on what needs attention.

“That is our fundamental job. It also demonstrates that council is in a solid financial position and able to continue to deliver on the priorities of our community.

Mr Regan at the Macpherson Street bridge and roadway opening last year.

“It also means we have the funds to pay down debts left behind from the former councils but also to deliver more footpaths, playgrounds and sports fields, improved surf clubs, purchase books for our libraries and get on with the hundreds of other planned works on our schedule.”

The report details how the council has addressed its community’s top priorities over the last financial year by providing quality services and assets while developing strategic solutions for transport and housing challenges, creating jobs and protecting the environment.

More than $78 million worth of capital works projects have been undertaken, including construction of a floodproof bridge at Warriewood; a new carpark and roadworks at Church Point; upgrading Manly’s Whistler St Carpark; installing a synthetic sports field at Cromer and new sporting facilities in Forestville, Terrey Hills and Belrose.

Cr Regan said there had been incredible achievements across the peninsula.

“We completed over 51km of footpaths and cycleways to connect our communities and improved the laneways network in the Manly CBD with new paving and landscaping,” he said.

“Five new accessible playgrounds are a part of our widespread efforts to enhance disability inclusion.

“There was significant progress in integrating council systems and services, too, making it easier to submit inquiries and requests to conduct transactions, access library resources and childcare bookings and submit development and other applications.”

The council secured $41 million in grant funding, including $21 million from the amalgamation-sweetening Stronger Communities Fund.