Ipswich City CouncilMedia ReleaseBudget 2008-2009: Mayor's budget speech 30 June 2008 30 June 2008 I would like to thank my fellow Councillors and staff for their tremendous effort and contribution to Budget 2008-2009. Your experience and knowledge has made a difference, not only for our city, but for the families who live here. Now it is with a great deal of pride I deliver our budget. When the history of our city is written, the start of this century will show when Ipswich was recognised as one of the great cities in the world.
Some of the factors that have made this happen include our strong determination on planning, infrastructure, environment and sustainability. But the most important factor will be the strong sense of pride of the people of the city - we call it the Ipswich pride factor which has helped us punch above our weight and take on many challenges as opportunities, in not only making us a great city and a great home. A budget designed to keep Ipswich moving forward. This budget has been built on a solid foundation based on the good planning delivered during the previous term and will deliver the fundamentals demanded by a progressive and growing city of the future. This budget builds on what we value most - our strong sense of community pride and our people, and be a part of the solution to congestion in our state capital. Five years ago the city budget totalled $196 million. Today we bring down another record budget of $462 million. While formulating this budget we have been very mindful of the overall cost of living increases families are facing. We have worked hard to cushion any rises while keeping the finances of the city in good shape for the future. Like Ipswich rugby league legend Alfie Langer, who mastered the art of predicting where the game is going, Ipswich needs to keep moving forward, by understanding where global trends are going, so we can continue to be ahead of the game for Ipswich and its people, now and into the future. And like Ipswich-born international cricket star Shane Watson, who was underestimated in the recent Indian Premier League and went on to become player of the series, Ipswich keeps hitting sixes. For the first term of this new council we have prepared a budget to minimise the impact on the family budget, while meeting the challenges and opportunities of growth head-on. Our city finances
It is no secret the cost of materials and labour is rising well above the CPI. Price movements for the construction industry have gone up 6.2%. The Council Cost Index as determined by the Local Government Association of Queensland is rising at 5.5%. Council's fuel bill alone has increased by $1 million on the previous year.
The extraordinary demands on the civil construction market are likely to remain causing competition for staff, consulting and construction services. We will continue to invest in infrastructure as the city grows at a record rate. The CPI for Brisbane in the March quarter was 4.8%
For residential owner occupiers the average rates and charges increase in Ipswich will be $2.37 per week - which includes water at $1.08 per week.
Without water - rates increase an average $1.29 per week for the same owner occupiers - an increase of 4.76%. Including water the rise is 6.5%. In Budget 2008-2009 there are 12 categories for Differential General Rates. Category 1 will change from $0.007312 to $0.006992 cents in the dollar. Capping remains for owner occupiers in categories 1 and 8. Should there be a change of ownership capping will be removed.
Charges if paid in full and on time;
The Ipswich Water Plan The community is now fully informed about the water grid and other significant measures to drought-proof the south east. The wholesale price of water has increased significantly as a result. Water is needed for residential growth, industry growth and to protect existing industry - for example Swifts Dinmore Meatworks is one of the largest in the world and employs 2,300 staff. On May 12, 2008 the Queensland Government announced increases in the price of bulk water. Ipswich City Council will now pay an extra $2.25 million for 2008-2009, an increase of 48.75% on the average price paid the previous year. For average residential customers using 150 kilolitres of water per annum, the average water bill will be $1.44 a day or $523 per year, a rise of 12%. This is a ‘no blame' budget. As a city we accept the challenges and responsibilities for growth, including the water.
We will continue to work in partnership with the state government to work through the transition and reforms of the water business to secure our future. This Budget has also allocated $48.9 million to capital expenditure for further improvements to water supply and sewerage services. Major projects include -
Responsible water management
All south east councils and the Queensland Government have implemented water leakage and pressure management programs. Ipswich Water's share of this regional target is a saving of 3.8 megalitres per day. At present we have reached savings of 1.5 megalitres per day. $3.2 million is allocated for further work on this important water saving program.
This will have a number of benefits -
Recycled water
Ipswich City Council has developed a leading Recycled Water Strategy to make the most efficient use of available recycled water in the years ahead. This strategy describes safe and reliable supply to high value parks and gardens, civil works and limited commercial and industrial precincts as its local priorities. The strategy also supports the State Government's Western Corridor Recycled Water Project by providing much needed source water from Goodna and Bundamba Wastewater Centres. In an initiative already underway, Council is providing substantial volumes of recycled water for civil works out of its Bundamba and Carole Park Wastewater Centres. Rainwater tank rebates Rainwater tank rebates will continue until September 30, 2008.
City growth Six years ago the annual population increase for the city was 400. Our population is now growing at approximately 5,000 each year based on the 12 months to June 2007.
Together we will work with the community to meet the many challenges of creating the kind of city we want it to be when the population reaches 318,000 in the next 15 to 18 years. To do this we need the community, including business, churches, seniors and youth groups working together with a strong sense of pride to meet these challenges and convert them into opportunities. Today we deliver a budget to place Ipswich in a strong position ready for the future, as we focus on people and growth. Later this year the Ipswich Office of Economic Development will publish the Ipswich Business Guide. This new guide provides a comprehensive list of key business partners to assist with business establishment and growth in our city. This guide is a partnership with all levels of government in support of the development and job creation necessary in the western corridor. Thanks must go to the state and federal governments for their support and recognition of the important role Ipswich will play in the development of south east Queensland. Ipswich Regional Centre Strategy The Ipswich Regional Centre Strategy is reaching a significant milestone with Queensland Government to review the business case for redevelopment of a new transport hub to replace the existing transit centre, rail station and Bell Street interchange. The revitalisation of Ipswich city centre will continue to be backed by the strong partnership between council, the state government and private sector. The contribution by the federal government of funding towards key projects in the city centre is also welcome. Council will also renew its support for the Ipswich Rewards Card customer loyalty program to support businesses and other partnership programs. We will work in partnership with CBD businesses during the vital redevelopment of the city centre.
Pride in our city Budget 2008-2009 has a wide range of programs and initiatives to continue building community pride. An extensive program of community engagement through chat times and external council meetings will be maintained. These and many other business and community forums provide a great deal of feedback and many good ideas. Many great ideas from residents often translate into new and innovative programs to further enhance our title of the most liveable mid-size city in the world. The range of community events and ‘pride building' programs is extensive and includes -
Civic Hall's Festival of Theatre is continuing to break attendance records - in the next 12 months artist of the calibre of Shannon Noll, Doug Parkinson, Pete Murray and Sara Storer will perform in our city. Local productions also feature on the program and include the Ipswich Orpheus Chorale's production of "Cats" and St Edmund's annual production this year is "Grease", and many others. In 2009 the Ipswich Art Gallery will celebrate 10 years of outstanding events and exhibitions. The gallery is set to also break attendance records and bring more visitors into Ipswich Central. For the Christmas holidays Disco Puppy 2 reprises the original Disco Puppy. At the same time It's A Dogs Life is an exhibition about all things man's best friend does in the service of our country. Council has an on-going commitment to the arts through the development of trails and programs highlighting the heart and soul of our city. Next June a special Q150 exhibition for the sesquicentenary of our state will feature Queensland Folk Art - celebrating the creativity of ordinary Queenslanders. Ipswich was proclaimed a municipality in 1860. In 2010 we will celebrate our 150th anniversary. Next year early planning and discussions with the community will commence so everyone can play a part in our 150th. A major attraction for our city this year is the RAAF Amberley Air Show. Ipswich City Council will support this major event in October and we look forward to welcoming tens of thousands of visitors for this outstanding event. These attractions, and many others, highlight the growing importance tourism is playing in the development of our city. In the next 12 months there will be a strong emphasis on attracting tourists to our region. Pride in our community Ipswich City Council will also continue to provide small grants funding for hundreds of eligible community organisations. Our city can also pride itself on the annual granting of sporting bursaries.
In the past funding has been shared by 33 different sports and 20 different sporting events.
This successful sporting bursary program will continue. Community Development Grants totalling $100,000 will be awarded to strengthen and support our community, and the work of many volunteers in our city.
Cultural Bursaries to attend Master Classes will also continue to provide tuition by highly experienced performing arts professionals in the disciplines of performance, voice, instrument and dance. Ipswich has a tremendous community spirit, where every person matters and ideas are valued.
Pride in our city parks and conservation estates Ipswich is fortunate to have such magnificent parks and reserves for community use. Managing and maintaining over 500 parks is a big task. This also includes sporting areas, aquatic centres, urban forest, former landfill sites, and conservation estates. Just over $7.9 million has been allocated for the maintenance and operations of 530 hectares of parkland and 442 hectares of sports grounds.
The city has a spectacular range of regionally significant parks, including -
Residents of Springfield and our eastern suburbs will welcome a start next year on the new $20 million Springfield Town Centre Parklands.
Detailed planning will commence immediately. The new parklands will become a reality as a result of a partnership and funding between council, state government and the private sector. Other major projects during the 2008-2009 year include -
Maintenance of the city's streetscape and 80,000 urban trees will cost $4.4 million during 2008-2009.
Queens Park will be the location of the previously announced new Education Centre and Kiosk, to be built opposite the existing kiosk. This regionally significant education centre will provide opportunities for educating students and the community on environmentally significant issues. These include the development and maintenance of natural areas and techniques for reducing water consumption. This $2.3 million dollar project will complement the Ipswich Nature Centre and is jointly funded by the Queensland Government. This will be our contribution to Queensland's 150 years. The new Education Centre will feature an ultra modern kiosk surrounded by a large covered deck to take advantage of the views overlooking the park.
A greener Ipswich Ipswich continues to win recognition as a city that cares for the environment by winning national and international awards. Ipswich has won -
We will continue to improve the overall health of the local environment by reclaiming additional land for public parks and open space. $1.5 million has been allocated for rehabilitation works on former landfill sites.
Enviroplan - helping to make Ipswich carbon neutral Ipswich's successful Enviroplan program will be enhanced in this Budget. The annual levy of $35, will also include an annual report back to the community outlining where the money has been spent. A further $2.7 million has been included in the budget for locally based initiatives to enhance the natural environment. These include -
Pride in our sporting achievements
Ipswich has some 350 sporting and recreation organisations. Sporting Bursaries assist junior athletes attend national or international events as members of state or national teams. We will continue to also assist sporting events staged by local sporting groups within the community.
With a proud sporting heritage Council will continue to financially support improvements and enhancements to sporting facilities by allocating $12.7 million in the budget. Major projects include -
Healthy Ipswich Council delivers vaccination programs through two weekly clinics and a school based program. Maintaining a healthy community will include an allocation of $234,000 for vaccination programs with the support of Queensland Health. Other healthy city community partnerships and programs include -
Disability Access
Disability access improvements and refurbishments to older council buildings will continue in this budget. $490,000 has been allocated to a number of upgrades to ramps, rails, signs and toilets. Included in these works will be improved disability access to the Council Chambers in the South Street Administration Building. City Works
The Works Program of Council covers the construction and maintenance of roads and drainage infrastructure. This area of Council expenditure also includes planning for the future needs of the city. Total capital expenditure for works in 2008-2009 will be $113.8 million.
Included in this amount -
Key projects to be constructed in the coming 12 months include -
The $3 million Brassall Bikeway will link Brassall to North Ipswich and Ipswich Central via a new bridge over Mihi Creek currently under construction and due for completion later this year. This council has invested heavily in school crossing improvements. Flashing school safety signs are doing a great job reminding motorists to reduce speed before and after school. School crossing safety will receive further funding of $459,000. City Works is also responsible for future transport planning. $350,000 has been set aside to develop and implement an integrated transport plan for the city. This will be developed in harmony with the Ipswich Regional Centre Strategy.
Streets Ahead
The Streets Ahead Program enters its third year and has been applauded by residents.
We will continue to bring long established areas of the city up to the standard of newer suburbs with kerb and channelling and rehabilitation. Work will be scheduled on an equitable basis across all Divisions of the city.
In the coming year the Budget for Streets Ahead will total $2.75 million.
Planning our city
The Ipswich Planning Scheme is based on principles of sustainability. Responding to the massive growth in Ipswich is one of the major challenges we face. We are making further improvements to service delivery and customer service. The recently announced ‘bring forward' options for releasing new land for housing announced by the state government is supported by Ipswich City Council. This is consistent with the position Ipswich had taken in recent years. There are several areas suitable for immediate development, including Springfield and Redbank Plains. When the Centenary Highway extension linking Springfield with Yamanto is completed next year, Ripley Valley will also benefit. The Ripley Valley Structure Plan was developed after extensive community consultation and an ‘enquiry by design' process. Ipswich City Council will continue to work with the private sector to facilitate more affordable housing. We must work hard to keep our city affordable for our children and residents so people can own a home in Ipswich. Old towns make the best new towns and Ipswich will support the development of new heritage education programs and training for staff and residents. New in this budget - a free advisory service in association with the Green Building Council of Australia to encourage green and sustainable building practices. This new advisory service will help establish Ipswich as a green city of the future. We will continue the successful -
Safe City
Safe City now has 160 cameras monitored 24/7 providing live surveillance pictures from Ipswich city centre, Booval, Bundamba, Redbank, Goodna, Brassall and Rosewood. Camera coverage was extended to North and West Ipswich last December and January. In 2008-2009 Safe City Cameras will again be extended to provide coverage of the new Brassall bikeway and Riverlink boardwalk at a cost of $550,000. A further $800,000 has been allocated for further city-wide expansion as required and will include Springfield. In another first for Ipswich - Safe City will introduce remote mobile cameras which can be deployed with short notice to hot spots using wireless technology. Ipswich libraries
In excess of 450,000 individual visits per year are recorded at one of the most modern library services in Australia. In the calendar year 2007 over 1.1 million items were borrowed, while over 26,000 new titles were added to the collection. Beginning the 14th of July, Council will be providing free internet access for Ipswich library members at the Ipswich, Redbank Plains and Redbank Plaza branch libraries and the Mobile Library. This service extends to library members who are residents of surrounding areas including Harrisville, Peak Crossing and Karana Downs, encouraging neighbouring communities to the CBD. We have provided $45,000 in this year's Budget to fund free internet access. The annual Poetry Feast will continue following the success of past years and is now in its 6th year. The response from budding poets around Australia and the world continues to increase. The Poetry Feast provides Ipswich with a wonderful event that receives positive publicity for our city around Australia. Improved customer service
Ipswich City Council will officially extend Call Centre hours from tomorrow. Weekdays our call centre will be open from 6am to 8pm.
These extended hours allow emergency after hours calls to be handled by staff with local area knowledge. Since commencing a trial of extended hours late last year, the council call Centre has answered approximately 5,000 calls during the hours of 6am to 8am and 4.30 to 8pm. Customers with general inquiries and questions about rates, should still ring during Council's normal business hours - 8am to 4.30pm - or visit council's website.
Our staff Change in the workplace is happening everywhere. I'm proud to say Ipswich City Council is very fortunate to have staff embracing change and meeting the challenges of growth while delivering improved customer service. Behind the scenes change is occurring and providing Council with improved technology and systems to help transform the way Council operates. This budget makes a commitment to staff for training and support, so we can face the challenges of growing together. The purpose of all this change is to constantly improve the performance and level of service to the community.
The community spirit and a feeling of well-being we have in Ipswich is the envy of many.
Again I would like to thank Councillors, CEO Carl Wulff and Staff for their efforts, vision and hard work in the preparation of this Budget.
I now put forward to the people of Ipswich "Budget 2008-2009".
A Budget where people remain at the core of our decision making process as we keep Ipswich moving forward.
But most of all to create a city where everyone is an individual.
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Last Updated 30 Jun 2008 |
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