Northern Beaches Council last night adopted the 2022/23 budget which responds to the impacts of storms, floods and the pandemic and prepares for the future by investing $100million in community infrastructure, paying down debt and restoring working capital.

The $462 million budget reflects a sound financial position with a projected operating surplus of $9 million, a balanced budget position and includes $5 million in loan repayments.

The Council also adopted the Community Strategic Plan 2040, Resourcing Strategy 2022-2032, Draft Delivery Program 2022-2026, Operational Plan 2022/23 and Revised Pricing Policy which together set the priorities and directions, driven by the community, for the Council for the coming years.

Mayor Michael Regan said it had been a tough few years but sound management and forward planning had served the Council well.

“This budget continues to have a focus on recovery and renewal with an eye on the future needs of our community,” Mayor Regan said.

“The last few years have demonstrated the need to be adaptable and ready for any unexpected challenge.

“Responsible budget management has helped us through the upheaval and even allowed us to give back to local business and the community.  

“Over the next 12 months we will continue to invest in the upkeep of our assets and grow our working capital reserve so we can respond to unexpected events, invest in new opportunities and ensure a financially sustainable position into the future.

“There is a significant investment in stormwater infrastructure, crucial to managing the flood risk. And there continues to be large investments in footpaths and road renewal, many of which were damaged during the incessant rain earlier this year.

“Thanks to those in the community who provided their feedback on all our draft documents through the process.“

Highlights of the $100 million capital works program include:

  • Resurfacing 10.7km of roads across 25 suburbs
  • 39 footpath renewal projects across 16 suburbs and 3.5km of new footpath in 10 suburbs
  • $1.8m boardwalk at Manly Dam Reserve
  • $1.8m upgrade to the Lynne Czinner Park, Warriewood
  • Foreshore upgrades at Little Manly Beach, Mona Vale Beach and Warriewood Beach
  • $8.7m of stormwater works, new and renewal of existing assets
  • New fitness equipment for Lionel Watts, Belrose, and Forestville War Memorial Playing Fields
  • Tidal pool renewal at Clontarf Beach and at Paradise Beach, Avalon
  • $2.3m for new playgrounds in Frenchs Forest at Brickpit, Rabbett and Akora reserves
  • $2.1m Pipeline Active Transport Corridor link sections 4, 5 and 6 from Davidson through to Frenchs Forest
  • $1.55m boardwalk between Curl Curl and Freshwater
  • $1.2m to upgrade the playground and carpark at Freshwater Beach
  • New seawall and widened footpath along Pittwater Road at Bayview.
  • Public amenity improvements at Shelley Beach and Little Manly Point, Manly
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