Responsible financial management and future thinking are the key characteristics of Kingston's 2025-26 Draft Budget.
We are a thriving city thanks to our great community and local businesses and our council is committed to building on our great strengths.
Investing rates wisely means continuing to deliver the services needed, renewing and maintaining our facilities and key infrastructure and delivering new projects in a considered and cost-effective manner, as outlined in the blueprint for the year ahead.
We always value our community's ideas and aspirations for our city, and we were absolutely thrilled to receive 724 submissions to this budget process through our Talking Kingston platform.
Mayor Georgina Oxley said this has enabled us to present our most collaborative budget yet.
"Among the key themes we heard were the need for traffic improvements, more active recreation facilities, clean and well-maintained open spaces, and to encourage more lively and vibrant shopping strips – all of which are reflected in the draft," Cr Oxley said.
"This is a financially responsible budget focused on making every dollar count for the community by prioritising, renewing and maintaining vital infrastructure and facilities to ensure they remain in great condition for years to come.
"It also accommodates new projects and programs that our growing community needs, while still looking out for those that need a little more help now.
"These are really challenging economic times, and that is reflected in the cost-of-living relief provided. This includes financial hardship assistance, offering reduced fees on services such as aged care, leisure centres, and pet registration, and providing a range of low-cost and free community activities.
"The development of any budget is a balancing act, and we are focused on strengthening our community while future-proofing our city."
The highlights of a $103.6 million capital works program include:
- $48.6 million for the Mordi Aquatic Centre
- $20.5 million for community and sporting facilities
- $20.2 million for roads, drains, footpaths, and bike paths
- $6.3 million for parks and reserves
- $5.6 million for playgrounds and active recreation
The mayor said the continued engagement with our community in putting the budget together has us very well placed to engage positively with the other levels of government too.
"That includes strongly representing our community around important issues and projects like housing, the Suburban Rail Loop and level crossing removals," Cr Oxley said.
"This advocacy has also extended to securing funding for important local projects like the Mordi Aquatic Centre that is well underway and major upgrades to Le Page Park and Namatjira Park, which will now be able to happen sooner.
"It is shaping as another big year as we continue to make Kingston an even better place."
To view the draft 2025/26 Budget, the draft 2025/26-2034/35 Financial Plan, and the draft 2025-2029 Revenue and Rating Plan, and provide your feedback, visit yourkingstonyoursay.com.au/2526budget.
