City of Onkaparinga Mayor Erin Thompson said council identified $5.6 million in savings to deliver a budget to help ease the financial strain on ratepayers amid COVID-19.
“The pandemic has affected so many in our communities, so council strived for a budget that will provide relief to households while stimulating the economy and delivering essential services,” she said.
“The majority of Onkaparinga ratepayers may see either no increase, or a decrease, in their rates bill, and there will be no interest or fines charged on rates until 1 November 2020.
“This adds to the COVID-19 relief measures introduced in April, which included establishing a $50,000 community wellbeing and resilience fund; waiving lease and associated costs for businesses and community and sporting clubs using council facilities for six months; and a ‘Think Local, Buy Local’ campaign to promote local businesses and support the local economy.
“The new $206.6 million budget also features a $55.9 million capital works program that will help stimulate the local economy, create jobs and improve infrastructure.
“I’d again like to thank everyone that provided their feedback on our draft budget, and I look forward to an exciting year ahead guided by our new Annual Business Plan.”
Some of the major projects in 2020-21 include:
- Constructing the Witton Bluff Base Trail between Christies Beach and Port Noarlunga
- Delivering the Morton Road Sport and Community Hub in Christie Downs in partnership with the state government and Roger Rasheed Sports Foundation
- Implementing the Wilfred Taylor Reserve Masterplan
- Redeveloping the Port Noarlunga Sports Complex (subject to external funding)
- Upgrading Aldinga Sports Park in partnership with the federal government
- Upgrading Port Noarlunga’s Wearing Street Arts and Aquatics Precinct (subject to external funding)
- Upgrading Hackham South East road and stormwater infrastructure amid new residential development.
Infrastructure projects across the city will also receive a boost thanks to $2.46 million in federal COVID-19 stimulus funding, with council recently submitting a list of 20 “shovel ready” projects for government approval, which will be delivered in addition to council’s budget commitments.
Explore the services, programs, projects and initiatives that will be delivered through City of Onkaparinga’s Annual Business Plan and Budget for 2020-21 at council’s website, where you can also find out more about the relief measures implemented in response to COVID-19.