Central Coast Council tonight adopted its Operational Plan for the 2019-20 financial year which will deliver $792.0million worth of investment in essential services and capital works.

The Plan forms the second year of Council's Delivery Program 2018-21 and will deliver $556.4million in essential services and $235.6million in capital works in the priority areas of roads; water and sewerage service infrastructure; protecting and enhancing the local environment; community facilities and open space and recreation infrastructure.

Council’s operating income for the 2019-20 financial year is $537.8million, leaving an estimated budgeted operating deficit of $18.6million before capital grants and contributions.

Mayor Jane Smith said the Plan continued Council’s commitment to prioritising key community needs and aspirations for the Central Coast in line with the Community Strategic Plan - Council’s contract with the community.

“The Plan details projects and initiatives we will deliver over the next year with a strong focus on delivering community infrastructure, addressing the demands of an ever growing population and meeting sustainability principles,” Mayor Smith said.

“We are projecting a larger deficit that first forecast in the draft plan due to an increase in the emergency services levy payable to the NSW State Government and an adjustment to Council’s income and expenditure in line with the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) final determination released in May.”

Hundreds of projects are planned across the Coast in the $235.6million capital works program. Priority spending areas include:

• $74.97million in roads, transport and drainage
• $39.75million in water and sewerage
• $21.17million in open space and recreation
• $18.15million in facilities and asset management
• $9.39million in economic development and project delivery
• $5.55million in business enterprise
• $4.33million in waste services
• $3.06million in natural and environmental assets
• $2.75million in waterways and coastal protection
• $3.12million in leisure and lifestyle
• $1.25million in libraries
• $0.15million in learning and education.

“We will continue to review our operations to look for innovative ways to deliver services and take advantage of efficiencies to reduce the budgeted operating deficit,” Mayor Smith said.

“Council is in a strong financial position with our infrastructure, property, plant and equipment portfolio having a gross replacement cost of $10.2billion as at 30 June 2018 and investment portfolio which is managed to ensure that Council has sufficient funds to deliver services to the community.

“Our community have identified their vision of where they want to see the Coast grow and be in 10 years’ time - we want a smart, responsible, green and liveable Central Coast and for all community members to have a sense of belonging.

“This Operational Plan 2019-20 will enable Council to deliver this for our community and continue to pave the way for a prosperous and positive future for our region.”

Budget Fast Facts

• $537.8million operating income
• $556.4million operating expenditure
• $52.4million capital grants and contributions
• $235.6million capital works program
• $18.6million budgeted operating deficit before capital grants and contributions

To view Council’s Operational Plan 2019 – 20, visit Council’s website at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au