Extra money for footpaths passed with budget
An increase in spending on footpaths and more than $55,000 in donations to community groups were approved at this week’s council meeting as the 2017/18 budget was adopted.
Councillors voted to adopt the budget on Tuesday night after 16 written submissions were received along with more than 70 online contributions.
Orange Mayor John Davis said the council took all of the submissions into account.
“Footpaths are certainly the hot topic right now and we received dozens of comments from the public
about how they would like the footpath allocation to be spent and that kind of feedback is really great to
hear,” Cr Davis said.
“We’re taking all of those submissions seriously and the list of the proposed footpaths to be worked on will be provided in August.
“We’ve allocated additional funding to footpaths this year taking the total increase in funding to $1 million over the next four years.
“We’ll be putting in $350,000 this year, and every year for the 3 years after that, which is fantastic.
“We’re also spending more than $40 million on capital works projects such as contributing towards the
Cricket Centre of Excellence, the Orange to Blayney and Carcoar Pipeline and the next stage of the
Southern Feeder Road.
“I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to contribute whether by jumping online to do a survey,
making a comment on council’s YourSay Orange website, taking time to email the council or writing a
letter.”
Councilors voted to donate $55,250 to about 40 community groups and organisations for a range of
different purposes such as meeting room refurbishments, transport, equipment, scholarships, education
programs and prizes for further fundraising opportunities.
“Volunteers are the fabric of our community and it’s a good thing that council can help community groups make Orange a better place for all of us,” Cr Davis.
“It’s good that the broader community can now see which groups are getting some funding, what the
funding is for and how much we’re giving but in many cases it’s not a financial donation.
“Often it’s allowing groups to use facilities for free or waiving or reimbursing rates payments.
“There’s always more requests than we can manage but I think we’ve reached a good balance. Nearly 40 different groups are benefitting and I think that is a good number.
“On top of the general donations we’re giving $48,000 as a major sponsor to several events such as a ball for Ronald McDonald House, the Cancer Council Relay for Life, a nurse for Epilepsy Support Group, funding for the McCormack Barber New Year’s Eve fireworks as well as the Australian National Field Days and Wine Week.”
Other budget highlights include;
- Council will supply about 16,000 meals on wheels.
- 2017/18 is year 4 of the 10 year Jobs Creation program offering $110K per annum to assist businesses.
- where jobs are added or maintained.
- At least five major sporting events will be hosted.
- Council will host several events such as Seniors Week, Harmony Week, Local Government Week Australia Day, Mayoral Civic Receptions, new residents’ receptions, Clean up Australia Day and the Christmas carols.
- Services are offered to support shopping and in home support and home maintenance hours.
- Manage the Aquatic Centre servicing over 15,000 people per month.
- Maintain 4 child care centres at 80% occupancy.
“That’s just a selection of the varied services council provides for the community,” Cr Davis said.
“The headlines are taken up with topics such as footpaths and roads and often the community services
provided to the elderly, the young and the venerable are overlooked but we should reflect and be proud of the role we have in looking after those who need it most.”
Next week’s council meeting will not go ahead on Tuesday as planned but instead will be held on Thursday at 7pm. Several councilors will be in Canberra on Tuesday for the Local Government Conference.
THAT'S CRICKET: Plans for the cricket centre of excellence
ROAD BUILDING: Plans for the new Southern Feeder Road
PIPING: Cnstruction of the Orange to Carcoar to Blayney Pipeline is underway.
Share Extra money for footpaths passed with budget on Facebook
Share Extra money for footpaths passed with budget on Twitter
Share Extra money for footpaths passed with budget on Linkedin
Email Extra money for footpaths passed with budget link
Consultation has concluded
