Albury community encouraged to provide feedback on the city's draft 2023/24 Budget

Both these important plans are designed to support the Albury community's aspirations as detailed in the Towards Albury 2050 Community Strategic Plan.

Mayor Kylie King highlighted the community's desire for Albury to have a growing sustainable economy, an enhanced natural environment, and to be a caring and leading community.

"We've listened, and this year's budget will deliver a broad range of exciting new initiatives that align with our community's vision, whilst ensuring we continue to focus on maintaining and upgrading existing infrastructure," said Mayor King.

"Equally important is that we have a delivery program and budget that is financially sustainable, and ensures we can deliver to our community's expectations. Noting the impacts on Council financially, and in a post-COVID environment."

"This includes endeavouring to keep cost increases to the NSW rate peg limit where possible, and without placing significant further financial pressure on residents, businesses and families," Mayor King explained.

"Councillors are looking forward to hearing your feedback, and we really encourage everyone to share their thoughts to assist us in delivering great outcomes in the coming year, and shaping our city's future."

In 2023/24 AlburyCity will manage a total budget of $180 million.

The budget includes a proposed $63.4 million in Capital Works programs, and $3.5 million in new operating iniatives that will continue the focus on planning for the future and providing essential services and infrastructure to support the growing Albury community.

A snapshot of some of the exciting projects proposed include:

$16.6 million in Recreation projects like the Stage 1 upgrade to the Lauren Jackson Sports Centre, Reconstruction of the Ian Barker Sports Field at Alexandra Park, and constructing the Melrose Park Sports Pavilion.

$10.4 million in Water and Wastewater projects such as the water main replacement/renewal program and sewer rehabilitation program.

$10.8 million in Road, Bridge and Footpath projects including road and drain rehabilitation works, and the reconstruction of Mudge St and Hawkesview Rd.

$6.7 million in Environmental Protection projects including construction of a material recovery facilitiy and a new cell at the Albury Waste Management Centre, and a lighting bulk lamp replacement program.

$3.5 million in Building Upgrade projects like upgrading the AlburyCity administration building, and upgrading the Albury Animal Care Centre including an Education Hub and emergency pens.

$3.4 million in Albury Airport projects including the extension of Taxiway C, and general aviation development.

$3.2 million in Arts and History projects including the design of the Albury Entertainment Centre Convention Wing expansion, refurbishment of the Thurgoona Museum Collection Store, and Cultural Precinct feasiblity studies.

$2.7 million in Flood Prevention and Drainage projects such as the Lavington Drain East Branch upgrade, retarding basin rehabilitation, and reconstructing the Holmwood Cross drain.

In addition, $5.6 million will be invested in a range of other projects including the AlburyCity Community Fund, the further development of the Glenmorus Memorial Gardens, and a new AlburyCity website.

Community members wanting to find out more about the draft 2023/24 Budget can attend Community Presentations being conducted by AlburyCity CEO, Frank Zaknich.

Presentations will occur as follows:

There is no need to register for the in-person sessions.

The draft plans can be found on the AlburyCity website, at Council Offices in Kiewa St, the Albury LibraryMuseum, and Lavington Library. Feedback closes Friday 26 May 2023.