Northern Beaches Council is powering ahead with a $102 million capital works program and has balanced its budget, despite significant external financial pressures.

On Tuesday night, Council adopted the long-term financial plan 2023-33, delivery program 2023-27 and operational plan 2023/24.

The 2023/24 budget projects total expenditure of $507 million, including a $102 million capital works program.

Mayor Sue Heins said Council was continuing to spend on the vital infrastructure and services the community needs.

“We have endorsed a plan to build footpaths, shared paths and cycleways, build new community facilities, upgrade stormwater to reduce flooding, resurface 6km of roads and improve our much-loved reserves and parks across the Northern Beaches,” Mayor Heins said.

Highlights of the $102 million capital works program include:

• $15.2 million resurfacing 6km of roads and improving road assets
• $14.8 million on community facilities including Warriewood Valley community centre
• $9.1 million on footpaths, shared paths and cycleways
• $7.8 million on stormwater to reduce flooding and pollution
• $7.4 million on improving reserves and parks at Balgowlah, Dee Why, Frenchs Forest, Manly, Narraweena, Seaforth and Warriewood

The $3.1 million increase in the Emergency Services Levy (ESL), imposed by the state government, has weakened Council’s operating surplus and reduced the funds available to invest in renewing and upgrading our community’s assets.

“We have balanced our budget and we will deliver a significant major capital works program in 2023/24, but the ESL increase and high inflation will certainly challenge our ability to continue to sustain the same level of service over future years. 

“I’d like to thank those in the community who provided their feedback on our draft documents through the process,” Mayor Heins said.