Pool, park and street upgrades headline NPSP’s $22 million capital program

The projects are in addition to the $11 million to be spent on renewal of infrastructure such as drains, footpaths, kerbs and resealing of local roads.

Mayor Robert Bria said the draft 2021-2022 project program was double last year’s and was evidence of the Council’s commitment to bounce back from COVID with investment in infrastructure to benefit the community and the economy through the creation of jobs.

“In preparing this year’s Budget, the Council has taken into account the community’s changing expectations for high quality services and infrastructure, balanced against a reasonable rate increase,” Mayor Bria said.

“The Council is conscious of its role in the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. As such it has committed to a number of large-scale infrastructure projects that will create jobs and improve the welling of our community.”

At its meeting on 3 May, the Council endorsed the draft 2021-22 Annual Business Plan for community consultation.

Mayor Bria said that while the proposed residential (average) rate increase of 3.71 percent is higher than in recent years, the Council is making a record investment in projects and infrastructure which need to be paid for.

“The Council is coming off a zero rate increase, so this year’s proposed increase may be considered unusually higher in comparison, but there is justification for it.

“However, the Council will receive the comments which are received from the consultation process and make adjustments to the draft Budget as required.”

Media enquiries: Mayor Robert Bria on 0431 754 077.