Randwick set to invest in roads and facilities

Randwick City Council has released a draft budget that commits over thirty million dollars to road works and community facilities including fitness and childcare centres.

Unlike other state councils, Randwick has achieved a surplus and intends to use the banked money.

“It’s a balanced budget that is good for the whole community,” a Council Spokesperson said. Randwick Mayor Scott Nash said the ‘Buildings for Our Community Program’ and its levy will continue to allow the Council to improve the buildings and facilities in most need of attention.

“We have some substantial projects in the pipeline,” Mr Nash said.

“We’re delivering a record $31 million capital works improvement program.”

Last year’s focus was on upgrading the surf clubs in Coogee, Clovelly and Maroubra.

Now in its third year, the program includes an $8.7 million plan to equip the Des Renford aquatic centre with a new community fitness centre, improved entrance and additional car spaces.

Five childcare centres are also a focal point in the budget with upgrades expected for KU Randwick Childcare Centre, Peter Pan Kindergarten, Moverly Children’s Centre, Rainbow Street Childcare Centre and
Duffy’s Corner Occasional Childcare.

Road repairs and improvements take up the next biggest portion of the capital works expenditure in the budget.

Council has allocated almost $5 million to resheet local roads and repair almost seven kilometres of footpaths.

The budget includes upgrading parks, sports fields and their amenities namely Nagle Park, Chifley Sports Reserve, Heffron Park and Pioneers Park.

The draft budget and operational plan is open to community feedback and comments until the end of May.

A spokesperson said the Council expects a lot of feedback from this budget, all of which will be reviewed and considered in the May Council meeting.

By Katie Davern