Randwick Council’s record spend on Rabbitohs’ new home and more

After three years of hiked up rates, Randwick Council has revealed plans to spend a record $79 million on several major projects and works. SEE WHERE IT WILL GO.

Gary Hamilton-Irvine

2 min read

May 4, 2021 - 12:21PM

Southern Courier

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Randwick Council has plans to spend a record $79 million on major projects and works during the 2021/22 financial year which includes the construction of a massive sports complex at Maroubra and a new splash park for children.

The council has plans to fork out $79 million on capital works during the next financial year – a record for the council – which includes major projects and plenty of upgrades to existing facilities, roads and footpaths.

A complete breakdown of where the money will go can be found below.

The biggest project is the $58 million Heffron Centre sports complex which recently received approval and will be built at Heffron Park in Maroubra.

Artist impression of the massive Heffron Centre sports complex.

When completed in late 2022, it will feature a new gymnastics centre, indoor sports halls and a new high-performance centre for the South Sydney Rabbitohs, all under one roof.

Other highlights from council’s proposed major projects include a $1.5m splash park at Des Renford Aquatic Centre in Maroubra, a $4.7m new youth and cultural hall in Matraville, and a new synthetic pitch at Coral Sea Park in Maroubra which is home to Maroubra United FC.

The record spend on capital works for the 2021/22 financial year follows three years of relatively large rates increases for Randwick Council ratepayers.

Randwick Council successfully applied for a special variation in 2018 to increase its rates revenue between 2018 and 2021.

A splash park will be built at Des Renford Aquatic Centre in Maroubra. Generic picture.

The council’s rates and annual charges revenue is estimated at $132 million for 2021/22, compared to a rates and annual charges revenue of $109 million in 2017/18.

Funding for the $79 million worth of capital works in 2021/22 does not solely come from rates and council revenue but also includes $19 million in council borrowings, $18 million from council’s reserves, and millions of dollars in government grants and developer contributions.

Residents can place feedback on the draft Operational Plan and Budget 2021/22 until May 27 by clicking here.

“In addition to our extensive capital works program, our council staff will continue offering the same high quality services that our residents deserve,” Randwick Mayor Danny Said stated.

The iconic Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club is set to undergo some upgrades as part of the council’s budget.

“Randwick Council, like most organisations, has not been immune from the effects of COVID-19 ... this Budget is about getting us back on track doing what we do best – delivering for our community.

“It’s a strong, considered and balanced budget with a record capital works spend meeting all seven of the Office of Local Government’s financial performance benchmarks for NSW councils.”

Breakdown of record $79 million capital works budget for 2021/22:

Heffron Centre: $45.7m

Sports complex at Heffron Park in Maroubra which will feature a new gymnastics centre, indoor sports halls and a new high-performance centre for the South Sydney Rabbitohs when completed in late 2022. The remaining cost of the $58 million project will be added to the following year’s budget.

Buildings and facilities: $12.2m

Highlights include a new arts centre and exhibition space at the historic Blenheim House in Randwick, a new hall and facilities at the site of Matraville Youth and Cultural Centre, upgrades to Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club, upgrades at La Perouse Museum, and recarpeting of Bowen Library in Maroubra.

The La Perouse Museum.

Open space facilities: $8.4m

Highlights include a new splash park at Des Renford Leisure Centre in Maroubra, a new synthetic field at Coral Sea Park in Maroubra, lighting upgrades at Coogee Oval, new outdoor gyms at Snape Park in Maroubra and Barwon Park in Matraville, and upgrades to public playgrounds.