The endorsement comes following a four-week public exhibition of the draft Budget, during which Council received 41 submissions from the community.
Submissions covered a range of topics, including several footpaths, aquatic facilities, cost of living, energy saving initiatives and mobile coverage.
All submissions were considered in the final drafting of the budget, which reflects community feedback. Specific examples include:
- Pearsall St footpath, which was mentioned eight times in the submissions, with works being scheduled for 2024-25 with a budget of $60,000.
- An indoor pool was mentioned five times by community members and further investigations are slated as part of the preliminary designs already scheduled for the Lauren Jackson Sports and Aquatics Facility stage 2 redevelopment.
AlburyCity Mayor Kylie King said the adopted budget includes some exciting projects to support the community’s aspirations identified in Towards Albury 2050.
These include:
- An increase in funding for the proposed Oddies Creek Splash Park from $1.5 million to $5 million, including awarded grant funding of $2.5 million.
- $14.5 million in Recreation projects like the Stage 1 upgrade to the Lauren Jackson Sports Centre, complete the Fredericks Park Master Plan construction and continue constructing the Melrose Park Sports Pavilion.
- $13.4 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.
- $2.5 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.
- $4.5million in Building Upgrade projects, including upgrading the Albury Animal Care Centre buildings to a regional standard, as well as designing the expansion of the Convention Wing of the Albury Entertainment Centre.
- $5.6 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 supporting community organisations, fleet replacement program and ongoing construction and design of the Wagirra Trail.
The proposed rate rise of 4.7 per cent outlined in the draft Budget has also been endorsed, bringing the city into line with the NSW Government’s rate cap.
As a result, the average residential property will pay an increase of $2.83 per week for the combined general rates, domestic waste management charge, and water and wastewater fees.
Albury Mayor, Kylie King, said it was pleasing to see so many worthwhile projects for AlburyCity gaining Councillors’ approval.
“It’s an exciting period coming up for our city as we continue to strive for a balanced budget and together foster a strong regional economy and deliver the community, cultural and recreational facilities needed by our diverse and growing population,” she said.