City of Salisbury last night adopted its 2020/21 Annual Plan and Budget focused on minimising the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on all parts of the community including residential, business and sporting & community club sectors.
The budget features a range of proactive measures including:
- A zero per cent rate increase for the majority of the community, as well as no increase to fees and charges
- $185,000 investment into community and sporting clubs through a COVID-19 Recovery Support Package
- A $100 million COVID-19 Infrastructure Recovery Program which would fast-track capital works projects in order to support northern region businesses and stimulate economic recovery, while leveraging Federal Government funding opportunities to expand the investment
A number of major projects have also been determined as key priorities for 2020/21 including commencing the construction of the $5 million Burton Community Hub, $2.8 million in reserve and irrigation upgrades, $2.6 million verge development upgrades, continuing the $7 million revitalisation of Salisbury's John and Church Streets and a $6.7 million LED street lighting upgrade.
Mayor Gillian Aldridge OAM welcomed the budget, which she said effectively balanced the need to support the community while minimising any disruption to services.
The $2.8 million impact of the zero per cent rate increase will be offset by a number of cost-saving measures.
"Our 2020/21 budget aims to provide relief for our community at a time when we know many people have been doing it tough, without compromising our high level of service provision," Mayor Aldridge said.
"While it is a challenging time for all of us, I am confident that this budget will cement Salisbury in a sound financial position going forward while reflecting the vision adopted within our overarching City Plan for 2035 as a progressive, sustainable and connected community."
Mayor Aldridge said Council would continue to monitor and evaluate any impact on changes in service levels in 2020/21, but expected these to be minimal.
