The draft Willoughby City Council 2023/24 Operational Plan is set to deliver projects to protect our environment, increase green spaces, enhance recreational facilities, create vibrant local centres and foster connected and liveable communities all while delivering essential facilities and services to the community.
The proposed Operational Plan 2023/24 details the services and projects the Council will provide as well as the annual budget and annual rates, projects and capital works and fees and charges.
Willoughby City Mayor Tanya Taylor said she is confident the plan delivers the necessary services and facilities to our community while being able to invest in significant new capital works, asset renewal and upgrades to transform facilities and community spaces.
"Through careful and prudent management, the planned major capital works are largely funded through the reserves that have been built over the years.
"I am proud to present a plan to our residents and wider community that will build environmental resilience and strong connected communities.
"The Artarmon Pavilion, the Gore Hill Sports Complex and the upgrade of the much loved Willoughby Leisure Centre are front and centre of this plan.
"Our residents want additional cooling and greening and the shared path from Chatswood to St Leonards and Edward Street are part of our forecast works. We will also be upgrading our open space and recreational facilities to meet the needs of our diverse community.
The Operational Plan 23/24 responds to the community's aspirations in Willoughby's ten year Community Strategic Plan, which was updated following extensive community feedback in 2022.
To ensure that Council can resource the community's needs, a 10 year Long Term Financial Plan is prepared and updated each year.
"We have been challenged by unprecedented financial pressures stemming largely from the global economy and the tight fiscal market and we are not immune to these challenges.
"Significant headwinds in the form of inflation and the associated rising costs for materials, along with changing community needs and severe income constraints such as the rate peg, and the ongoing legacy of the Covid pandemic have meant that Council is budgeting for a 2023/24 operating result deficit after depreciation is taken into account.
"I encourage you to read these documents and provide your feedback and support us in creating a vibrant and bright future for Willoughby," Mayor Taylor said.
Feedback is being sought on the Council's:
- Operational Plan for 2023/24, which details the services and projects the Council will provide and how the Council will fund these. It also includes the annual budget and annual rates, projects and capital works and fees and charges.
- Revised Long-Term Financial Plan 2023-2033, which outlines how the Council proposes to manage its budget and financial sustainability in the coming decade.
The exhibited documents collectively show how the Council is proposing to navigate ongoing difficult economic conditions in 2023/24 and beyond, including high inflation, employee costs growth, lingering COVID-19 revenue impacts, repairing storm-damaged infrastructure, higher depreciation expenses and increased community expectations.
