Council budget sees increase in spending

The City of Sydney Council has announced it will increase spending to $368 million this financial year, but has been criticised for failing to consider cheaper spending alternatives.

Representing an increase of almost $27 million on the last financial year (2011/12), the increase in spending for 2012/13 is designated for greater service delivery and maintaining assets, roads and public works. This will include $48 million on cleaning, $41 million on managing facilities, $30 million on infrastructure maintenance and $17 million on maintaining assets like depots and parking stations. In each of these areas, there has at least been an increase in spending of $2 million on last year’s budget.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP said the increases are essential for everyday living in Sydney. “Services such as keeping footpaths in good shape and collecting garbage are among the most important things the City does for the community. Without these … Sydney would not function,” said Ms Moore.

However, other Councillors raised questions over massive increases in capital expenditure and environmental measures. Capital works expenditure will increase by $75 million from $93 million last year to $168 million this year. Council will also build a trigeneration power network. Labor Councillor Meredith Burgmann said cheaper options are available and questioned the massive spending measures. “I think the City of Sydney could explore a greater number of low-cost options for lowering carbon emissions,” said Ms Burgmann.

“Big ticket items like trigeneration … are yet to be tested.”

Living Sydney Mayoral candidate Angela Vithoulkas also criticised the City’s spending measures. Ms Vithoulkas said: “Residents and business ratepayers have a right to demand that Council spends money responsibly and not spend millions of dollars telling us how wonderful they are, especially in an election year.”

Nonetheless, Ms Moore defended the capital expenditure increases. “These capital works constantly improve the city for residents, businesses and visitors,” she said.

Ms Burgmann said the budget overlooked important areas that council should be spending on. She would like to see more money directed towards employment. Ms Burgmann said: “[I want to see an] increase in the numbers of apprentices employed by Council in areas like biodiversity improvements, and more opportunities for Indigenous employees.”

Ms Vithoulkas said Council was focused on “self-promotion,” not other important areas.“There is no mention of spending, increased or otherwise, on safety and security. This should be any council’s foremost responsibility,” Ms Vithoulkas said.