Albury community encouraged to provide feedback on draft 2024-25 Budget

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

The draft budget funds 2,300 expenditure items with an overall rates rise proposed of 4.7 per cent in line with the NSW Government’s rate cap.

The average residential property will pay an increase of $2.83 per week for the combined general rates, domestic waste management charge, water and wastewater fees, supporting the provision of quality services, facilities and infrastructure to the community.

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.

“Albury’s continued growth as one of Australia’s significant regional cities places a great emphasis on the infrastructure, planning and environment needs across our city and region,” Mayor King said.

“Fostering a strong regional economy enables us to deliver the community, cultural and recreational facilities needed by our diverse and growing population.”

In 2024/25 AlburyCity will manage a total budget of $190 million.

The budget includes a proposed $65 million in Capital Works programs and $5.5 million in new operating initiatives to 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:

$14.7 million in Recreation projects like the Stage 1 upgrade to the Lauren Jackson Sports Centre, Fredericks Park Master Plan construction and constructing the Melrose Park Sports Pavilion.$15.4 million in Water and Wastewater projects such as the water main replacement/renewal program and sewer rehabilitation program.$11 million in Road, Bridge and Footpath projects including road and drain rehabilitation works, the Albury CBD bike loop and the reconstruction of Hawksview Road.$4 million in Environmental Protection projects including construction of new cells at the Albury Waste Management Centre, a visitor display at Wonga Wetlands and the Elm Avenue redevelopment.$3.5 million in Building Upgrade projects like upgrading the Albury Animal Care Centre and the AlburyCity administration building, as well as designing the expansion of the Convention Wing of the Albury Entertainment Centre.$3.4 million in Albury Airport projects including the extension of Taxiway C and general aviation development.$2.3 million in Flood Prevention and Drainage projects such as the Lavington Drain East Branch upgrade, retarding basin rehabilitation and reconstructing the Holmwood Cross drain.$600,000 in Arts and History projects including the detailed design of QEII Square redevelopment and upgrading the World War II Memorial Bowl.

In addition, $7.3 million will be invested in a range of other projects including the AlburyCity Community Infrastructure Fund, fleet replacement program and ongoing construction and design of the Wagirra Trail.

Community members wanting to find out more about the draft 2024/25 Budget can attend Community Presentations being delivered by AlburyCity CEO, Frank Zaknich.

Presentations will occur as follows:

11.00am Monday 6 May - Mirambeena Community Centre, Lavington5.30pm Tuesday 14 May - Council Offices, Kiewa St3.00pm Wednesday 15 May – Live webinar (link)5.30pm Tuesday 28 May - Council Offices, Kiewa St.

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 24 May 2024, followed by a further report to Council in June to consider community submissions before final endorsement of the draft budget.