Clarence working towards a thriving community and sustainable growth into future

Our aim is always to respond to the needs and expectations of our community, writes Brendan Blomeley.

Published in the Mercury on Friday, 28 June 2024 (see here).

Striking a balance between the needs and the wants of a community as diverse Clarence is a challenge, but at all times the goal of Council is to improve the liveability of the city. However, liveability itself has a diverse range of meanings to a variety of people - what is liveable for one, may not be for another.

Our aim is always to respond to the needs and expectations of our community, while ensuring we have the critical infrastructure and facilities in place to support our city as it grows in the decades ahead, requires both prudent and thoughtful planning, as well as strong and firm commitments now.

Our 2024-2025 budget demonstrates our commitment to supporting the sustainable growth of Clarence, while creating a more resilient community for the future.

But importantly, this year we have also sought to minimise the impact of the rising cost of living on our residents and businesses.

The budget incorporates a rate increase of 6.48 per cent, inclusive of estimated elector poll costs. This represents a responsible balance between sustainably managing increasing costs, maintaining infrastructure, and minimising financial impacts on our ratepayers.

The centrepiece of the budget is a $21.6 million capital works program, which prioritises critical renewal projects as well as new infrastructure developments to support future growth opportunities.

These capital works will include the further expansion of the Clarence Foreshore Trail, upgrades to the Bayview Park playground and toilet renewal, Clarendon Vale Oval lighting and pavilion design and construction, and further progress on the proposed ANZAC Park Community Sports Pavilion.

We all know Clarence is an appealing and dynamic place to live, work and play. This is evidenced by the fact that council’s planning approvals remain consistently higher than in other parts of the state, despite rising construction costs and land prices.

To manage this projected growth across the city, we have prioritised the development, design, and delivery of masterplans for key areas.

We want to harness new development to ensure it delivers true social, economic, and environmental benefit to our community.

Rising costs, particularly in construction, also affect council’s own capital works, and continued careful consideration has been given to ensuring existing assets are maintained alongside the delivery of new projects.

Council is also continuing to invest significantly in future-proofing the city, with a further $2.14 million to be spent on priority stormwater upgrades, critical to environmental and community health.

Keeping people safe on our roads is another key priority for council, and this year we have budgeted over $6 million for works to footpaths, kerbs, and gutters, and road resealing.

Along with our annual budget, Council has also adopted a new Rates and Charges policy. A notable change from the previous policy is the requirement for not-for-profit organisations to detail activities conducted on the property every two years. This is to ensure not-for-profit organisations with a commercial element are paying equivalent rates to comparable businesses. This change addresses legacy issues and ensures a fair and equitable system.

Of course, we will continue to carry out our general council responsibilities to the highest possible standards throughout the year.

These include waste and recycling, animal management, issuing permits, certificates, notices, and orders, and assisting with building and plumbing matters.

Clarence boasts one of the strongest financial positions of any council in Tasmania, and this year’s budget continues our consistent practice of responsible fiscal management.

As stewards of our vibrant city, council is committed to fostering a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable environment for all residents and businesses in the Clarence community.?

Brendan Blomeley is the Mayor of the City of Clarence.