Hobart City Council budget estimates include $37.4 million for infrastructure spending

Hobart will see dozens of public facilities upgraded next financial year as part of extensive capital works program to be undertaken by the council. SEE WHERE YOUR MONEY WILL BE SPENT

Artists impressions of the upgrades to the Doone Kennedy Aquatic Centre that council has budgeted for in 2019-20. Picture: HOBART CITY COUNCIL

HOBART will see dozens of public facilities upgraded next financial year as part of extensive capital works program to be undertaken by the council.

Hobart City Council’s 2019-20 budget estimates, which passed their first council hurdle at the finance and governance committee on Wednesday night, included infrastructure spending of $37.4 million.

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New projects and upgrades would make up $15.4 million of the total, with asset renewal contributing the remaining $22 million.

The key project the council has budgeted for next financial year is $5.6 million for the Doone Kennedy Hobart Aquatic Centre refurbishment.

The school holiday Splash Program at The Doone Kennedy Hobart Aquatic Centre, Hobart. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

Other significant works include:

$2.1 MILLION for road overlays.

$1.7 MILLION for building renewals.

$1.98 MILLION for stormwater renewals.

$1.9 MILLION for sporting facilities.

Hobart's Elizabeth St Bus Mall has been budgeted for an upgrade. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE.

$1.42 MILLION for footpath renewals.

$1.25 MILLION for the New Town retail precinct upgrade.

$1 MILLION for Salamanca pedestrian works.

$1 MILLION for the Elizabeth St bus mall construction.

The council’s capital budget also included $800,000 for ongoing remedial works for infrastructure damaged during the devastating May floods last year.

General manager Nick Heath said capital expenditure decisions were made in response to the council’s 2015-25 Strategic Plan and the estimates were prepared in line with the long-term financial strategy.

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“[It’s] designed to ensure the city can continue to provide its extensive range of services and the infrastructure required of a capital city, both now and into the future, without burdening future generations of ratepayers with large rates increases or cuts to services,” he said.

An average rate increase of 3.5 per cent has been recommended to fund council services.

The budget must be passed by an absolute majority of seven votes at next week’s council meeting.

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