Cessnock City Council has delivered a balanced budget for next financial year and has maintained its level of service across all facets of Council's operations, in some cases increasing its funding commitment in high priority areas such as roads. The total budget for next year is $81 million.
"In these times which are economically difficult for all local government authorities, it was a challenge – one which we overcame – and we are particularly pleased that we were able to provide additional funds for services and facilities which we know are important to our residents," Acting General Manager David Pavey said today.
Roads and infrastructure continue to be a major priority for residents of the Cessnock LGA and Council, with Council increasing funding in this area by almost 13 per cent to a total budget allocation of $13,436,500 for the coming financial year. This allocation includes funding for construction and maintenance of roads, timber bridges and cycleways. Council is currently developing long term plans including Asset Management Plans for its infrastructure which define Council's service levels, detail infrastructure works strategies and document a four year delivery program tailored to meet the community's needs. These plans will be underpinned by a long term financial plan.
Another winner in terms of additional funding is that of tree management and replacement across the LGA with funding increasing by over 52 per cent to $264,500. This is in addition to the recreation budget, which includes parks, gardens, sporting facilities, playgrounds and community halls, increasing by over nine per cent to $3,160,100 for the 2010/11 financial year.
Approximately $1 million has also been allocated to improved drainage and stormwater management.
In terms of community and cultural services and facilities, the libraries ($1.2M), public swimming pools and the Kurri Kurri Aquatic Centre ($1.2M), the Cessnock Community Performing Arts Centre ($360,000 operational expenditure) and support of the youth centre and outreach service ($150,000) continue to be regarded as essential public services and assets. Council has also committed $560,000 for the purchase of the building which currently houses Cessnock Regional Art Gallery and a contribution to its operating costs.
Implementation of the Crime Prevention Plan will continue with $20,500 being allocated for several education programs, the main being a targeted youth crime prevention program which will be run together with the Police.
Funding for the dollar for dollar grants which Council allocates in areas such as community and sporting facilities and cultural development has also been maintained at $105,000.
New allocations in next year's budget will provide for an additional Ranger position and increasing the public access hours at the Kurri Kurri Animal Shelter as well as a range of projects aimed at improving Council's customer service across the organisation.
Copies of the Management Plan and the Budget can be found on Council's website and in hard copy at the Cessnock and Kurri Kurri Libraries and Council's Customer Service Centre.
