The community is invited to comment on the Northern Beaches Council draft 2021-22 Budget which focuses on building economic, environmental and social resilience to continue to adapt to every eventuality, now and in the future.
The draft $452m budget which includes a $106m capital works program, is a balanced budget, which also continues to reduce legacy debt and meet the forecast efficiencies.
Mayor Michael Regan said the community had experienced significant upheaval over the last 12 months.
"We've pulled together through major storms, floods and a global pandemic which have really highlighted the need to embed adaptability and resilience in everything we do," Mayor Regan said.
"Like many organisations, we took a hit to the bottom line during COVID but our strong financial position meant we could absorb the loss and even give back to support our local businesses and community.
"That's why this draft Budget continues to pay down debt and find efficiencies and invest in the upkeep of all our assets so we remain financially solid and not burden future residents with debt and derelict infrastructure.
"It's also why we are continuing to invest in community safety infrastructure like the major revamps of surf clubs at Long Reef and Mona Vale and ongoing improvements to many others.
"We're investing in the volunteer fire station at Duffys Forest and building a new community centre at Warriewood which will also be an evacuation centre in emergencies.
"Our eye is on supporting community resilience too, providing opportunities for social connections to support physical and mental health such as aiming to complete the fantastic Manly to Palm Beach Coast Walk, investing in new and improved playgrounds and playing fields and resourcing suicide prevention initiatives plus over $10 million will fund new and improved footpaths and roads.
"Overall, the proposed Budget and Delivery Program prioritises our community's needs now but also sets us up for the future.
"I encourage all our community to see what is proposed and have your say."
The Draft Budget and Delivery Program is on public exhibition from 1 May until 30 May.
Proposed community infrastructure highlights for 2021/22
- $10.6m: resurface 13km roads, renew 2km & build 6km new footpaths
- $2.8m: cycleways
- $16.1m: new surf club buildings at Mona Vale and Long Reef, and upgrades to others
- $9.6m: stormwater works to reduce flooding and pollution
- $7.8m: improving pedestrian safety in school zones
- $4.8m: start Warriewood Valley community centre
- $2.1m: open space and transport in Warriewood Valley
- $2.1m: improving the Coast Walk trail, plus $0.7m on public art on the trail
- $1.7m: wharves at Mackerel and Currawong beaches, and design for Church Point wharf
- $1.5m: Church Point and surrounding infrastructure
- $2.8m: coastal protection at Collaroy-Narrabeen
- $2.8m: protecting other foreshores and related structures
- $1.4m: improving commercial centres at Forestville, Church Point, Manly Corso, West Esplanade
- $2.1m: public amenities at Shelly Beach, Little Manly Point, Forestville Town Centre and Porters Reserve
- $1.7m: upgrade to Duffys Forest RFS Station, Marine Rescue Broken Bay and other emergency buildings
- $1.5m: improving sports fields
- $1.2m: on playgrounds at Clontarf Reserve, Little Manly Point, Griffith and Jacka parks
- $0.8m: improving Paradise Beach and other tidal and rockpools
