$53 million investment in the future of Kyogle

Kyogle Council Mayor Danielle Mulholland described Council’s $53 million 2019/2020 budget as an investment in the future of Kyogle.

“We have exceeded expectations in securing grant funding and continue to deliver on our most ambitious capital works program ever,” Cr Mulholland said.

“The next four years will see further investment in our villages, roads, bridges, preschools, parks, gardens, pools, library services and community.

“With grant funding assistance from the State and Federal governments, over the next four years $37 million will be invested in our roads and bridges. The Clarence Way alone will receive $12 million, including $8 million for the initial sealing of the gravel section south of the Bruxner Highway.

“We will also set aside $20,000 per year to establish a Local Heritage Fund to assist businesses and residents protect our heritage for future generations.

“Regardless of how ambitious our current works program is, we will continue to lobby for further funding so we can deliver beyond expectations, particularly priority projects like the Tabulam agribusiness precinct and the Clarence Way.” General Manager, Graham Kennett said Council continued to punch above its weight and deliver for our community.

“A total of $10 million over the next four years is dedicated for bridges across the LGA, with eight bridges scheduled for renewal in 2019/20 and a further 21 bridges identified for replacement across the four year period,” he said.

“Since Council adopted the 2014 Long Term Financial Plan, we have delivered $61 million in capital works, with a further $27 million included in the current 2018/19 budget. Infrastructure spending will see a further $61 million in capital works delivered over the next four years, with a $25 million capital works program in 2019/20.”

Other budget highlights include; • $140,000 in 2022/2023 to change to LED for highway lighting that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce operating costs by $30k a year. • $421,000 for library services, in addition to the $170,000 in the current budget for the upgrades to Kyogle Library. • $317,000 for emergency services. • $496,000 for swimming pools, including the continuation of the extended season and extended opening hours during times of extreme heat. • $67,000 for pre-schools. • $622,000 for parks and gardens. • $98,000 for Community Donations and financial assistance including $11,437 for the three Australia Day Committees. • Funding to progress the Tabulam water supply project and the provision of sewerage services to Tabulam, Wiangaree and Mallanganee through the NSW Governments Safe and Secure Water Program

Copies of the draft budget, adopted by Council at its 8 April meeting for public display and comment, are available from Council at 1 Stratheden Street, Kyogle, Wadeville store, Woodenbong Post Office, Tabulam Post Office, Cawongla store, Mallanganee Post Office, Old Bonalbo Post Office, Kyogle Library, Kyogle Council Administration Centre, Wiangaree Post Office, Bonalbo Post Office, and the mobile library.

The draft budget and fees and charges can also be viewed here.

Submissions should be made in writing by 4pm on 7 May 2019 to the General Manager, 1 Stratheden Street, Kyogle or to [email protected].