Share your thoughts on our draft 2023/24 Budget
You are invited to provide your feedback on our draft Four Year Delivery Program 2023-2026 and Operational Plan 2023/24 (Budget).
These important plans are designed to support our community's aspirations for the future of our city as detailed in our Towards Albury 2050 Community Strategic Plan.
During the development of Towards Albury 2050, our community told us they wanted Albury to be:
"A nationally significant regional city that is vibrant, diverse, innovative and connected, and inspired by its culture, environment and location on the Murray River."
This year's budget will deliver a broad range of exciting new initiatives that align with this vision, whilst ensuring we continue to focus on maintaining and upgrading existing infrastructure.
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 within Council’s own financial impacts, 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.
In 2023/24, Council will manage a total budget of $180 million. This includes a proposed $63.4 million in Capital Works programs, and $3.5 million in new operating initiatives 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 facility 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 feasibility 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, and the further development of the Glenmorus Memorial Gardens.
I also have one last presentation remaining where you can find out more about the budget. Join me at 5.30pm Thurs 25 May at the Council Offices Kiewa St. There is no need no need to register.
The draft plans can be found on the AlburyCity website, at our Council Offices in Kiewa St, the Albury LibraryMuseum, and Lavington Library. Feedback closes Friday 26 May 2023.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Frank Zaknich
AlburyCity CEO