Randwick Council locks in 19.85% rate rise and infighting at the same time

RANDWICK Council has voted a budget through which will impose a 19.85 per cent rate rise over three years. But Liberal and former deputy Brendan Roberts slammed what he said was the end of “tri-partisan support for financial responsibility”.

Randwick Council took over the lease of the La Perouse Museum in La Perouse last year and will now be redeveloping it. Picture: Joel Carrett

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RANDWICK Council’s budget, which will impose a 19.85 per cent rate rise over three years, has been voted through.

The council will also borrow $27 million to fund new projects such as road upgrades, the redevelopment of La Perouse Museum, a cultural centre and coastal walkways.

Mayor Lindsay Shurey described it as a “big and exciting” budget and said it would enable work to start on the new projects.

Randwick Greens Mayor Lindsay Shurey loves the budget. Picture: Danny Aarons

Councillor Brendan Roberts not so much. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

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But Liberal councillor Brendan Roberts, who voted against the budget, said it would plunge the council into debt and slug ratepayers with a rise three times the rate of inflation.

Liberal councillors moved an amendment calling for rate rises of only 13.21 per cent over three years, and for council to not go into debt.

Map of the planned coastal walkway around the NSW Golf Course. Picture: Randwick Council.

However, this was voted down by Labor and Greens councillor.

“This is a day of infamy for the City of Randwick,” former deputy mayor Roberts said. “Randwick over many years has enjoyed tri-partisan support for financial responsibility, unfortunately that time of co-operation has now passed with this budget, which is unfortunate for residents.”

He said the Liberals supported the planned projects but argued the council was being irresponsible with the way they were funded.

THE NEW MALABAR TO MAROUBRA WALK

For the average Randwick ratepayer, the increase is about $68 a year.

The council has said the introduction of a new business rate for Port Botany will pay for the $27 million loan.

“Council’s finances are in a good position with total operating revenue of $157 million and compliance with all seven of the State Government required financial indicators,” Cr Shurey said.

Lauren Hockey checks out the view on the Malabar to South Maroubra walking track, which opened in February. Randwick Council has set aside funds in the budget to develop more coastal walkways. Picture: John Appleyard