In a year of many great challenges, Council powered ahead to deliver $76.9 million in capital works projects, including $7.8 million in road re-surfacing, exceeded climate action targets and continued to serve the Northern Beaches community.
Council has endorsed the 2021/22 Annual Report, which outlines major achievements in a year of unprecedented challenges.
Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan said Councillors and staff remained focused on serving the community.
"What an incredible 12 months we have been through. Just when we thought we were leaving behind the worst of the pandemic, unprecedented rain events severely impacted our community," Mayor Regan said.
"These challenges did little to stifle our progress and $76.9 million in capital works projects were delivered , including the amazing new state-of-the-art Mona Vale Surf Club and the award-winning transformation of the Currawong cottages.
"We upgraded a number of community centres and unveiled a modern, upgraded Queenscliff Surf Life Saving Club. We upgraded synthetic sporting fields and netball courts at Curl Curl and Cromer and built new multi-purpose courts at Warriewood Valley.
"We also completed 20 new footpaths, improved active travel options, and added 8.4km of footpaths to Council's network. These are just a few examples of the many capital works projects completed.
"When lockdowns ended, we quickly and safely bounced back to host major events. From the Sun Run to Taste of the Beaches and the new Play Manly festival. Our events brought people back to the Beaches and supported local businesses when they needed it.
"And all the while we've continued to reduce our carbon footprint, exceeding our carbon reduction targets through Council's 100% renewable electricity Power Purchase Agreement, improving energy efficiency and installing 500kW of solar on Council buildings to boost our total solar installations to over 900 kW. Electricity costs for Council buildings and sites were slashed by $321, 690 in the past financial year and electricity costs for street lighting were reduced by $201, 870.
"If the past year has taught us anything, it is that nothing can dampen the spirit of the Northern Beaches and together we can rise to any challenge."
Key achievements include:
- More than $76.9 million of capital works, including the $10 million state-of-the-art Mona Vale Surf Club, new public amenities in Apex Park Mona Vale, the award-winning transformation of the Currawong cottages, 20 new footpaths and $7.8 million in road re-surfacing
- Continued to provide financial support for our community, $41 million in total since the pandemic began, including the removing of outdoor dining fees and other measures
- Opening the custom-built Creative Library at Manly Library - an innovative creative space and the first of its kind in NSW
- Pivoting to deliver services and programs during the pandemic, including online and virtually, to support the wellbeing of our community and introducing the innovative Library2U home delivery service
- Adoption of the Northern Beaches Resilience Strategy to help the community respond to short and long-term shocks and stresses
- Adoption of the revised Community Strategic Plan 2040, which sets Council's priorities over the next 20-years
- Consulting the community on more than 130 projects and plans
Council's efforts were recognised with more than 40 industry awards, including:
- The national Cities Power Partnership Renewable Energy Achievement Award for slashing our corporate emissions by 80%, exceeding our 2040 target well ahead of schedule
- The Excellence in Infrastructure Stormwater NSW Award 2021 for the upgrade to Manly Beach stormwater assets
- Becoming the first Council in Sydney to become a Dementia Friendly organisation
- The National Local Government Customer Service Network Award 2021 - Winner Customer Service Team of the Year
