Northern Beaches Council is on track to almost double the state government’s $76.3 million estimated savings from amalgamation with a projected $161.6 million saving over ten years.

In 2019/20 the annual recurrent benefit is estimated at $29.5m which is being reinvested in community projects and services.

Savings have been made in employee costs ($6.03 million), consolidated insurance premiums ($2.07 million), materials and contracts ($11.27 million) and staff efficiencies ($10.13 million).

A comprehensive report was tabled at Council's meeting this week, outlining the significant savings and achievements of the newly amalgamated Council.

Mayor Michael Regan said he was proud that Council was on track to more than realise the savings promised.

“Achieving millions of dollars in savings gives us an opportunity to invest more in our community,” Mayor Regan said.

“It has given a boost to our maintenance program to ensure the infrastructure our community value is not falling into decline.

“It has allowed us to increase the cleaning schedule in our busiest public toilets and invest in kilometres of new footpaths.

“It has delivered the single beach parking sticker and expanded our customer service operations.

“And it allows us to deliver one of the lowest domestic waste charges in NSW, providing real savings back into the pockets of many residents while diverting much more of our waste from landfill.

“These are real, long-term benefits for the Northern Beaches community which will continue as we realise and reinvest those savings over the 10 years.”

Mayor Regan said in addition to the savings, the Northern Beaches Council had reduced some $63 million in loans since amalgamation and delivered over $370 million in new and renewal capital works.

“Just looking at planning issues, environment protection and transport for the Northern Beaches area holistically provide a great benefit for our whole community.

“Perhaps most significantly of all, our capacity as a large Council means we have not just absorbed the massive hit to our finances caused by Coronavirus, but have actually been able to support businesses, ratepayers and front-line agencies during this challenging period. And invest in over $100 million in infrastructure to help kick start our local economy.”