2018-19 Budget – another record capital works spend

Friday, 29 June 2018

Inner West Council adopted the 2018-19 Operational Plan and Budget on Tuesday night.

The Budget is based on fiscal prudence, transparency and accountability, and focused on modernising and harmonising services and maintaining and renewing infrastructure.

“We are protecting everything that was good about Ashfield, Marrickville and Leichhardt councils,” said Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne.

“But we are also raising the bar, making Council more professional and more accountable to the local community,” he said.

Council will also deliver an estimated four per cent ($5-7 million) in savings, driving efficiency and saving ratepayers’ money.

Some of the infrastructure and service improvement highlights are:

• $31 million for a new state-of-the-art aquatic centre in Ashfield

• $65 million for parks, sporting fields and recreation facilities over the next three years

• $85 million over four years for roads, footpaths, stormwater drains

• $23 million to complete the GreenWay pedestrian and cycle and biodiversity corridor

• $600,000 to create our own Inner West alternative to Vivid that brings the people into existing Inner West arts-based businesses

• A new rebate (approximately $400) on waste charges for pensioners in Ashfield and Marrickville (bringing it into line with the former Leichhardt Council’s policy)

• Turning the parking meters off at night in Balmain, Rozelle and Leichhardt, and reducing parking fees by $660,000

On Tuesday night, Marrickville Ward Councillors Sam Iskandar and Victor Macri successfully requested adding upgrade planning and scoping works for Alex Trevallion Plaza to the Budget, to be funded by developer contributions.

“Alex Trevallion Plaza is an important urban square in the very heart of the Marrickville commercial district, but it’s in desperate need of some tender loving care,” said Councillor Iskandar.

Councillor Macri said an upgrade of the plaza is well and truly overdue. “What I want is to make the Plaza a benchmark for all Inner West open urban spaces. We need to open it up, make it inviting, attractive and friendly.

“I want us to use water sensitive urban design (WSUD), plant appropriate trees, and make this an oasis in the middle of Marrickville,” Councillor Macri said.

“I want to thank my fellow Councillors for agreeing with our amendment to commence scoping works, and to upgrade in the 2019-20 financial year,” said Councillor Iskandar.

Other big infrastructure spends in the 2018-19 Operational Plan and Budget include:

Petersham Park grandstand upgrade $700,000 Including improved accessibility and new accessible toilet

Waterfront Drive upgrade $1.38 million Refurbishment of sporting grounds and installation of cricket nets

Ashfield Park lighting upgrade $590,000 Improved pedestrian lighting

Dawn Fraser Pool upgrade $2.08 million Upgrade of southern pavilion and restoration works

Haberfield Library upgrade $840,000 Accessibility improvements, roof replacement, internal refurbishment and replacement of air conditioning

Leichhardt Town Hall renewal $1.13 million Reinstating the original colour scheme and restoration of original windows

Petersham Town Hall upgrade $1.05 million Access upgrade

Chester Street footbridge replacement $450,000 Replacement of the footbridge and relocation of the BBQ and basketball court

Booth Street bridge widening $840,000 Design and construction of the widening of the bridge in Annandale (in partnership with City of Sydney)

Ashfield Town Centre $7 million Completion of the upgrade and commencement of the Gateway Treatment near Thomas Street, Cavill Avenue and Miller Street

For an interview on the 2018-19 Budget, or print quality image of Councillors Iskandar and Macri in Alex Trevallion Plaza, contact the Communication team.