The City of Launceston proposed capital works figure is "somewhat lower" and Launceston ratepayers may see another and higher rate increase than the 2022-23 draft annual budget.
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The rate rise is proposed to be 4.5 per cent with last years rate rise being 3.75 per cent after a rate freeze due to COVID-19 impacts.
Launceston mayor Danny Gibson said that figure is somewhat lower than previous years as the council continues to manage inflationary pressures as well as limited contractor availability.
Councillors will consider sending the proposed budget out to the community for a four-week public consultation period at next Thursday's ordinary council meeting.
The proposed expenditure of $136 million for the 2023-24 financial year includes more than $3 million on the municipality's recreational facilities roads and traffic maintenance and improvements as well as $1.4 million for a new playground at City Park and renewal of the duck ponds.
Other significant inclusions in the council's proposed capital works program for 2023-24 include:
- Major Plant Replacement Purchases - $1.61 million
- Road Reseal Program - $1.6 million
- Alexandra Suspension Bridge Stage 2 - $1.5 million
- Roads Reconstruction Program - $1.415 million
- Princess Theatre and Earl Arts Centre Redevelopment - $1.2 million
- Footpath Reconstruction Program - $1.02 million
- Roads Network Extensions - $500,000
- Launceston Aquatic Centre works (including gym equipment upgrades and pool plant and equipment renewal) - $440,000
- Street Tree Strategy and Urban Implementation - $400,000
- Sport Facility Renewal Program - $300,000
- Community Halls Renewal Program - $300,000
- Royal Park Amenities Upgrade - $250,000
- Royal Park Skate Park Upgrade - $20,000
Cr Gibson said the council was budgeting for a small underlying surplus of $928,000 - a return to surplus two years sooner than originally expected - on the back of a proposed rate increase of 4.5 per cent.
"Obviously this is a challenging time for number of councils across Tasmania and right around the country with the Consumer Price Index running particularly high at 7.7 per cent," he said.
"The businesses we deal with on a daily basis are passing on those costs to us so that's something as a council we have to be conscious and mindful of at all times."
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Alison Foletta
Alison Foletta specialises in local government and court stories. For story tips on Ballarat and local government email: alison.foletta@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Alison Foletta specialises in local government and court stories. For story tips on Ballarat and local government email: alison.foletta@austcommunitymedia.com.au
