What is the Draft Delivery Program 2018-2022 and Operational Plan 2021-2022?

    The draft Plans detail Council’s plan around our services, activities and budget. They set out what projects, initiatives and services we’re committed to delivering, and how they will be paid for. They’re part of a suite of plans which include the:

    • Delivery Program 2018-2022 and Draft Operational Plan 2021-2022
      • Attachment 1: Draft Budget 2021-2022
      • Attachment 2: Draft Infrastructure Delivery Program 2021-2022 – 2024-2025
      • Attachment 3: Draft Revenue Policy Fees and Charges 2021-2022

     Copies of the draft documents can be viewed on Our Wollongong, Council's community enagegment website. 

     


    What are the key projects Council is proposing to deliver?

    • Rollout of our Cycling Strategy 2030
    • Upgrade and refurbishment of the North Wollongong Surf Life Saving Club and Seawall
    • Development of the Whytes Gully landfill site
    • Continued work on the Grand Pacific Walk
    • Continued work on Community Centre and Libraries for Warrawong and Helensburgh
    • Ongoing work on the delivery of the West Dapto Access Plan
    • Continued delivery of the Cringila Hills Mountain Biking Trails, walking tracks, skills park and pump track
    • New kitchen and amenities for Port Kembla Community Centre Hall
    • 9 playground replacements at suburbs including Clifton, Russell Vale, Mount Ousley, Lake Heights and Wongawilli
    • Sports field lighting for Coledale’s St James Park, Thirroul’s Thomas Gibson Park Fairy Meadow’s Thomas Dalton Park and Wombarra’s Jim Allen Oval
    • The renewal of 43 roads across the city
    • Constructing six new or renewed car parks including at William Beach Car Park, Brownsville, Koonawarra’s Hector Harvey Oval, and Sandon Point car park.

    Why does Council collect rates and how are the rates determined?

    Council is obligated by the Local Government Act 1993 to collect rates from all property owners in our city, and these funds are used to finance Wollongong’s varied services, facilities and infrastructure. While we also collect income from other sources such as ‘user pays’ for services and facilities, and our commercial businesses, rates are Council’s largest and most important source of revenue.

     Every three years, all rateable land within Council’s Local Government Area undergoes a compulsory, independent revaluation by the NSW Valuer General. These land values provide the basis for how rates are determined, along with the permissible rate Council can increase its total rate income over the previous year, set by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).  For the 2021-2022 financial year, Council will use values from July 2019 to calculate the rates and will increase total rate income by the IPART recommendation of 2.0 percent from the previous year.

    How much are my rates increasing?

    The plan includes a proposed rate increase of 2.0 percent in keeping with the IPART rate peg based on the assessment of increase costs for Local Government.

    Council remains committed to financial sustainability and the continued maintenance of assets and provision of services. This will result in property rates, including the Domestic Waste Charge (for a 120 litre bin) will increase approximately $33 per year for the average household.

    What is Council doing to reduce the financial impact of rates?

    Wollongong City Council has an existing Debt Recovery and Hardship Assistance Policy which provides a range of support actions for those in financial distress. To find out more, please contact us.

     

    Should I let family and friends or interested community members know about the draft plans?


    Yes. Due to the current social distancing laws in place due to COVID-19, we’re unable to use some of the usual engagement approaches. While we are exploring new ways to engage with our community, we encourage people to forward the information on via email or message the weblink to family and friends wherever possible. This will give more community members the opportunity to have a say about the draft Plans.

    How can I give feedback on the draft plans?


    There are a number of ways to give feedback on the draft plans including:

    Email: ourwollongong2028@wollongong.nsw.gov.au 

    Phone: (02) 4227 7111

    Use the Submission form 

    Feedback can be provided to Council during the public exhibition period 22 April 2021 to 20 May 2021.

     Your submission is used by Council to assist in its decision-making processes. All feedback will be considered in the finalisation of the plans. All comments will be summarised and provided to Council with the final report.