Ku-ring-gai residents invited to provide feedback on Council’s plans

Published on 04 May 2023

Ku-ring-gai Council is inviting residents to provide feedback on its draft Resourcing Strategy, Delivery Program and Operational Plan, and draft fees and charges for the use of Council facilities and services.

Some of the key highlights for the 2023-24 year include investing $14.3 million in the upgrade and renewal of local roads, $5.3 million for local centre improvements, $3.9 million for drainage and stormwater upgrades and $3.4 million to improve local sporting fields and playgrounds. Council is also continuing to implement a range of sustainability and environment programs, including an allocation of $2.8 million for community partnerships. Council is also investing $700,000 for new library resources.

The draft Resourcing Strategy highlights that Council’s financial position is currently sound but requires increased investment in the renewal of existing infrastructure assets. In line with recommendations from a recent independent review, the draft Long Term Financial Plan includes proposed scenarios for a rate increase of up to 17% to cover the following:

Ongoing renewal of existing assets including local roads, stormwater systems and community buildings via a rate increase of 11.3% (or $8.6 million per year)
Repayment of the $13.5 million loan for the construction of the St Ives Indoor Sports Centre via a rate increase of 2.1% (or $1.7 million per year). Council has resolved to go ahead with this project
A potential redevelopment of the Marian Street Theatre funded by a $23.5 million loan and repaid via a rate increase of 3.6% (or $2.9 million per year).

Before any decision is made to apply for an increase in rates, Council will conduct a comprehensive consultation process with the community over the next 12 to 18 months. This will allow residents and ratepayers to have their say on what priorities an increase in rates should pay for and enable Council to explain the rationale and the impact on ratepayers.

Council encourages residents to provide feedback on the documents by using the online form, emailing krg@krg.nsw.gov.au, or writing to the General Manager Ku-ring-gai Council, Locked Bag 1006, Gordon NSW 2072 (please quote the reference number S09755/11).

The documents are on public exhibition until Monday 22 May 2023. Council will consider all submissions received in a final report at the June meeting of Council.

Residents can access the documents on the “Your Say” section of Council’s website or view printed copies at the Council’s Customer Service Centre at 818 Pacific Highway Gordon and any Ku-ring-gai Library.

For more information, please visit Council’s website or contact the Customer Service team on 9424 0000.