Published on Tuesday, 26 June 2018 at 7:16:00 PM
The City is continuing to invest in infrastructure renewals at record levels, with more than $19.3 million allocated to renewing existing assets in the new financial year after Council adopted the 2018/19 Budget.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said it is a top priority of Council to ensure the City has well maintained and functioning infrastructure.
“The City owns more than $900 million of assets and over the next 12 months we will be spending $19.3 million to continue to address the backlog of asset renewal, as many of our assets have reached their end of life,” he said.
“We have allocated more than $8 million towards renewing over 16kms of sealed roads, over 47kms of unsealed roads and 50kms of road swales and shoulders.
“A record $1.4 million will be spent constructing more than 5800m of new footpaths in various suburbs across the City, some of which developer contributions will be used to get the work done, and we’ll also be renewing more than 1900m of aged footpaths in high foot traffic areas.
“Sporting ground lighting will be a particular focus this financial year with $500,000 allocated to the renewal of towers and light fixtures whilst aged lighting the Queens Park Theatre forecourt will be replaced with energy efficient solar lighting,” he added.
Other infrastructure renewal includes the refurbishment of aged buildings and facilities and replacing of amenities in parks and public open spaces.
Mayor Van Styn said that although many residents will be paying less rates this year the cost of running the City hasn’t decreased.
“Even though more than 40% of rate payers will pay the same or less in rates this coming financial year the cost of maintaining or renewing community owned infrastructure has risen,” he said.
“Given the large amount of assets we must renew each year, this Budget has managed to include a wide range of projects to ensure community infrastructure can be used and enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.
“With these upcoming projects we are looking forward to growth in our City.”
Back to All News