Council approves 2019-20 operational plan

Eurobodalla Council has approved its to-do list for the next 12 months, with the adoption of its latest Delivery Program and Operational Plan on Tuesday.

Council expects to manage an income of more than $119 million in 2019-20. More than half of this will come from ratepayers, with the remainder from user fees and charges, grants, contributions and investments.

It will spend $75.4 million on capital works projects throughout the shire, more than $13 million on local roads, bridges and pathways, and $24 million on water and sewer infrastructure.

Big ticket grant funded capital projects for the year ahead include the Batemans Bay Regional Aquatic, Arts and Leisure Centre ($18 million expenditure in 2019-20), the shellfish hatchery at Moruya ($1.99 million), continuing the redevelopment of the Moruya Airport ($3.3 million) and the Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden redevelopment ($1.19 million) and a new viewing platform at Observation Point in Batehaven ($790,000).

Almost $5 million will be spent on recreation services and infrastructure, including major improvements to Captain Oldrey Park at Broulee, Gundary Oval at Moruya, Moruya Showground and Bill Smyth Oval at Narooma.

A further $200,000 will be distributed via Council’s community grants programs in recognition of the role community groups and organisations play in building vibrant, inclusive and healthy communities.

Council will this year increase the general rate and environmental levy by 2.7 per cent, in accordance with rate pegging approved by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART), equating to an increase of $1 a week, or $52 a year, for the average residential ratepayer.

The delivery program and operational plan implement strategies and plans previously adopted by Council following extensive community input, including the Recreation and Open Space Strategy, Pathways Strategy, Destination Management Plan, Emissions Reductions Plan and Advancing Eurobodalla economic development strategy.

Eurobodalla Mayor Liz Innes said that in all, Council’s 31 different services would deliver 184 actions in 2019-20.

“All these projects will help boost our economy, create much-needed jobs, cater to the diverse needs of our community and help to make Eurobodalla a wonderful place to be,” she said.

“We will also continue to advocate to all levels of government for improved infrastructure and services that our community deserves.”