Council’s street cleaning program will be one of the big winners under Council’s draft 2018-19 budget, which opens the door for the recruitment of 31 new frontline staff, including 12 permanent street cleaners.
The Draft Operational Plan 2018-19 was endorsed at the 18 April Council Meeting and will return $76.4m back to the community through an ambitious capital works program, while delivering better services and faster Development Application approval times.
Priorities of the 2018-19 Operational Plan include:
- $17m to modernise and maintain Council’s pools
- Shortening DA approval times by ten per cent
- Overhauling fees and charges for greater equity and efficiency
The first budget delivered by the sitting Councillors continues Council’s surplus with $1.4m projected by the end of the next financial year.
Mayor Greg Cummings welcomed the new Operational Plan saying Councillors had listened carefully to community feedback.
“The Draft Operational Plan 2018-19 delivers what the community wants,” Mayor Cummings said.
“Residents told us they want cleaner streets and public spaces they can be proud of. This budget delivers with the recruitment of 12 new permanent street cleaners to bolster our street cleaning program and significant investment in waste services.
“Residents told us that some of our facilities and venues aren’t up to scratch. This budget allocates $38.7m to lift our pools, parks and venues up to community expectations.
“Residents told us they wanted faster DA processing times. This budget will help us cut waiting times by 10 per cent so mum and dad developers can spend more time getting on with their lives.
“Residents told us that the process for hiring Council venues was too complicated. The draft Register for Fees and Charges which accompanies the Operational Plan addresses these concerns and will introduce a fairer, simpler way to book a venue.
“I can assure the community we are listening and we are putting our money towards meeting their priorities.”
The Draft Operational Plan 2018-19 and Draft Register of Fees and Charges is now on public exhibition for 28 days until 4pm, 17 May 2018 and can be viewed at haveyoursay.cumberland.nsw.gov.au.
