George Town Council will look to cut its capital works spending for the 2017-18 financial year by more than $500,000.
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The council had projected capital expenditure costs of a little over $9 million in July, however in its revised estimates the council has changed that figure to $8.52 million.
A motion to confirm the revised budget in the November meeting’s agenda would see the council adopt the proposed changes if approved.
George Town mayor Bridget Archer said the cut in capital expenditure came from a variety of sources.
“It’s mostly a re-allocation of funds for projects that were not going to be able to be completed during the year or weren’t required,” she said
One of the biggest cuts from the revised capital works budget is a proposal to cancel the touted upgrades to a council-owned prime mover truck.
In the council’s original budget the project would have cost $220,000 to replace the automatic transmission unit.
The airport’s not generally used at night, so I can’t imagine why you would want to put lights there.
- George Town mayor Bridget Archer
Assessments found the repairs weren’t necessary, however the council may need to replace the truck in the next three years, according to the budget comments.
Also Included among the infrastructure cuts was a decision to cancel the installation of runway lights at the George Town Airport.
“It’s been determined that the project was not required,” Cr Archer said.
“The airport’s not generally used at night, so I can’t imagine why you would want to put lights there.”
The revised budget also confirmed two projects for 2017-18 – a Regent Square playground and an upgrade of Windmill Point.
The playground will include children’s play equipment, landscaping and recreational facilities.
Meanwhile, Windmill Point will receive a recreation area upgrade, and a new Hillwood walking track.
“We’re looking at $150,000 or more into Windmill Point and that adds to the state government grant funding we achieved for that project,” she said.
“We’re also looking at spending $260,000 on Regent Square with the government grants.
“They’re pretty significant expenditures on recreation.”