Cash for cycleways, pool, Botany Town Hall and more in budget
BAYSIDE Council has announced spending of more than $54 million on major projects including cycleways, parks and town centres.
Southern Courier
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BAYSIDE Council has announced spending of more than $54 million on major projects including cycleways, parks and town centres.
Next year’s draft budget was put out to public consultation last week with rates set to increase by just the statutory amount of 2.3 per cent.
However, the council plans to put $54.5 million aside for major projects. They include the ambitious Bayside Cycle Project, to create a regional cycling network.
Cash will go towards funding separated cycle corridors that will link key residential, recreational, education and employment centres.
Money is also being earmarked for improvements to Banksmeadow town centre.
Decorative footpaths, planter boxes, trees and seating and other street furniture are planned as well as pedestrian crossings, new lighting, street art and laneways to give the suburb a lift.
Money will also be poured into nearby Brighton St, with a new footpath, trees and a nature corridor.
Swinbourne St in Botany is set for a facelift with new trees, footpaths, planters and street furniture.
There’s also good news for many of the former Botany council’s prime assets which it was feared could be lost.
Funds are being set aside for the restoration of Botany Town Hall to preserve it for many years to come.
The council also plans to look at the possible expansion of services at Botany Golf Course and Botany Aquatic Centre. However, as expected, money has been set aside for the demolition of the water slides.
The area’s parks are also set to receive a cash boost with Rowland Park in Daceyville set for an upgraded playground, a refurbishment of the buildings, new trees and more. Mutch Park in Pagewood and Sir Joseph Banks Park in Botany are also set for cash injections.
Millions are also being set aside for projects on the Rockdale side of the council including Pine Park in Ramsgate and Kingsgrove.
Mayor Bill Saravinovski said he was excited by the direction of the budget.
“The budget is a reflexion of what a bigger council with greater resources can bring to its community,” he said.
“We have been able to inject over $54 million in major projects to improve key areas of growth.
“Both myself and my fellow councillors are excited that we have been able to move forward on a number of projects that had been ‘in the pipeline’ or on the ‘wish list’ for a number of years.
“We now invite the community to have their say and I urge every resident to take the time to review the budget and let us know their thoughts.”
Council finance bosses have budgeted for income of $201,260,847 for 2018/19 with $201,183,630 in outgoings leaving a budget surplus of $77,217. The draft budget is on public exhibition ahead of a council meeting on June 30 when it will be voted on.
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