The City of Launceston is set to consider its expenses next week as crunch time hits for the 2024/25 financial year.
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The council will be approving projects under its proposed annual budget and annual plan along with fees and charges.
The outline includes plans to invest in the city's roads, parks, footpaths and community facilities while balancing cost of living pressures on residents.
Mayor Matthew Garwood said the proposed plans were informed by feedback from the council's community engagement program Tomorrow Together.
"It's not always the sexy stuff but this proposed budget will allow us to consolidate existing services and capital projects, with a focus on the renewal of existing services and infrastructure," he said.
The council's proposed budget will fund a $26 million capital works program while continuing delivery of essential services to the community.
The proposals include;
- $4.8 million for road resealing
- $1.9 million to improve parks and play spaces
- $1.4 million for the second stage of restoration works on the Cataract Gorge's Alexandra Suspension Bridge
- $1 million to restore City Park's St John Hart Conservatory
- $1 million for a new northern gateway project aimed at welcoming visitors to the city
- $700,000 for the NTCA master plan redevelopment project
- $600,000 for footpath renewals
- $300,000 to upgrade the Royal Park skate park
More than 50 actions have been identified in the 2024/25 annual plan, which aims to tackle "seven strategic priorities".
The council is seeking to cover community engagement, growth, governance, services, sustainability and planning in the list below;
- Progressing the master plan and business case for a redevelopment of the NTCA precinct
- Progressing an improvement plan for the Princess Theatre and Earl Arts Centre Complex
- Completing redevelopment works at the Albert Hall
- Growing Launceston's night-time economy
- Progressing the second stage of the Launceston City Heart Project, including the introduction of two-way traffic
- Implementing flood intelligence system improvements
- Reviewing the future of waste management infrastructure in the municipality
- Developing a future master plan for Carr Villa Memorial Park
Cr Garwood said the council had kept any proposed increases "to a minimum".
"The City of Launceston is aware of the cost of living pressures being felt by Northern Tasmanians and we're seeking to deliver a budget that is fair and community-minded,"
"The proposed rate increase in the budget (4.5 per cent), equates to approximately $1.15 per week."
Aaron Smith
Council and regional development reporter at The Examiner. Contact me at aaron.smith@austcommunitymedia.com.au for enquiries or send me a message on social media.
Council and regional development reporter at The Examiner. Contact me at aaron.smith@austcommunitymedia.com.au for enquiries or send me a message on social media.
