Levy considered for major projects

Gosford Council is considering up to five major projects for the Peninsula costing more than $13 million to be funded by the introduction of a special rates levy.

A $5 million development on the Woy Woy waterfront, streetscaping costing $2 million in the Umina town centre and a $3.2 million "foreshore enhancement" at Ettalong are among projects the Council will consider at its meeting tomorrow night, Tuesday, November 1.

A $3 million coastal walk from Pearl Beach to Umina and refurbishment of the Umina Library are other projects proposed.

Council officers have recommended that council form a Civic Buildings Committee to oversee the major "financial strategy projects" in the municipality, including a $40 million regional performing arts centre, as well as the Umina library redevelopment and a civic centre, both of which are yet to be costed.

However, a staff report to the council stated that none of the Peninsula projects, except for the library, would require an overseeing committee or group.

At council's meeting of October 4, council resolved that, as a matter of urgency, it develop a financial strategy to provide funds for the construction of civic facilities such as Umina Library.

It also resolved to develop a financial strategy to provide funds for the construction of suggested civic facilities, with funding provided through a comprehensive loans program, Section 94 Contributions, grants and rate adjustments.

To assist with the development of a financial strategy, a Civic Infrastructure Strategy Task Group was established, comprising senior council officers.

The projects have been recommended for endorsement by the Task Group.

Part of the strategy would involve council officers liaising with the Department of Local Government about introducing a Civic Infrastructure Strategy special rates levy.

A community consultation process would be undertaken during February or March next year which would include a mail-out and advertising, as well as a number of public meetings in various locations.

The projects funded by the Civic Infrastructure Strategy Special Levy would then be advertised for 21 days.

Feedback from the community consultation process and formal responses received would then be included in a report to council on April 11.

If the Minister approved the Civic Infrastructure Strategy Special Levy, the projects are expected to be implemented following the inclusion of the levy in the 2006/07 rates.

Council agenda COR.48, November 1