NEWCASTLE City Council will spend a record $100 million over 2018-19 on capital works as part of its quest to transform Newcastle into a “smart, livable and sustainable city”.
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It also plans to deliver a $6.5 million year-end surplus.
The council has combined the delivery program and operational plan into one document Our Budget. It sets out the council's objectives for the next four years and outlines its planned actions and projects for the 2018/19 financial year.
It includes more than $23.5 million on roads and footpaths, $13 million to renew buildings, structures and places and $8.2 million to implement the Smart City Strategy.
"We forecast to again deliver an operational surplus while investing a record $100 million in infrastructure projects," Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
"Under the council that I lead, we are committed to delivering our vision for the city through sound financial management while protecting and improving services.
"The next 12 months is going to be an exciting period when people start to see what it means to be a smart city.
“Extensive sensor networks, smart poles, public WiFi, electric vehicle charging stations and E-bicycle infrastructure are all set to become a reality over the 2018/19 financial year.
"Additionally, a further $2 million will also be invested in lifting the Tyrrell Street Bridge at Wallsend, the first of three bridges that will be raised after supporting columns are removed, as the first stage of a plan to address flooding that regularly affects the Wallsend CBD.”
Newcastle City Council CEO Jeremy Bath said this budget is about setting up our City for the future.
"It will include $7.5 million towards the cost relocating Council to Newcastle West, consolidating 425 staff spread across four sites into one building. Planning on the layout of the building is now underway with consideration to how we ensure Council's new headquarters is also available to ratepayers and community groups.
"A decision on Council's Round House and Fredrick Ash Buildings is likely to be made over the coming months."
The draft Our Budget is on public exhibition until May 30. To view the documents on public exhibition and make a submission, go to newcastle.nsw.gov.au/YourSay
Hard copies may be viewed at the City Administration Centre, 282 King St, Newcastle, Newcastle Region Library, Laman Street, Newcastle, and all other Newcastle branch libraries.
Budget highlights
$23.5 million on our roads including a $9 million civil works program to upgrade local bridges
$13 million of works renewing our buildings, structures and places including $5 million for both our parks and cultural facilities
$8.2 million on Newcastle's Smart City Program
$8.1 million on renewing the existing storm water network
$7.9 million on a solar farm to be built at the Summerhill Waste Centre
$2.6 million on increasing cycling links around the city
