Draft 2014-15 Business Plan and Budget Frequently Asked Questions ADELAIDE CITY COUNCIL 2014-15 Draft Business Plan and Budget Frequently Asked Questions 1
Index: (1) Key components in the draft 2014-15 Budget & how it compares to last year (2) What s likely to happen with rates in 2014-15? (3) Council s plan for Placemaking (4) Council s plan for the Rundle Mall Redevelopment (5) Council s plan for the Smart Move Strategy (6) Council s plan for Asset Maintenance, Street scaping and Trees (7) Council s plan for City Activation, including Splash Adelaide, Public Art, Sponsorships & Grants & Creative Hubs (8) Council s plan for Green Energy and Sustainability initiatives (9) Council s plan to support increased Public Safety (10) Council s plan for Recreation and Play spaces in the Park Lands, including the Adelaide Aquatic Centre (11) Council s plan to support Community Services, including Libraries, Community Centres & Volunteer Services (12) Council s plan to support the City Economy ADELAIDE CITY COUNCIL 2014-15 Draft Business Plan and Budget Frequently Asked Questions 2
(1) Key components in the draft 2014-15 Budget & how it compares to last year Budget Overview ($million) 2013-14 2014-15 Business Operations Revenue 63.4 66.3 Expenditure (45.4) (46.4) Total 18.0 19.9 General Operations Rates 85.7 90.1 Revenue 43.2 45.2 Expenditure (90.9) (95.2) Total 38.1 40.1 Treasury (1.7) (2.5) Contribution from Operations 54.4 57.5 Operating Projects (15.8) (12.0) New Assets (58.8) (12.0) Asset Renewal Program Management (5.5) (5.8) Asset Renewals (27.7) (30.0) Net Spend on Projects and Capital (107.8) (59.8) Net Borrowing Requirement (53.4) (2.3) ADELAIDE CITY COUNCIL 2014-15 Draft Business Plan and Budget Frequently Asked Questions 3
(2) What s likely to happen with rates in 2014-15? Your rates help Council fund a diverse range of important services and functions, better roads and public spaces, and to support community activities for residents and businesses within the City of Adelaide. This includes: Delivery of major projects and partnership initiatives. Maintenance and improvements to infrastructure, such as roads, footpaths, lighting and trees. Service and infrastructure needs for the city s growing population. Provision of a wider choice of transit options and supporting infrastructure. A wide range of community based services and activities, such as library and community centres, free training at the Digital Hub and the provision of Home & Community Care services. Delivery of high-quality services such as Park Lands maintenance, waste management, rubbish collection, recycling and street cleaning. Delivery of planning, building inspection and environmental health services. Many of the services we provide, like stormwater drainage and city cleansing, might be invisible on the surface but year in, year out they ensure our city is maintained to a world-class standard. General Rates provide less than 50 per cent of the revenue of Council, with other revenue gained from City User fees and charges, external funding, borrowings and business operations. Rates Modelling With the annual valuation process nearing completion, Adelaide City Council has undertaken an analysis of the existing valuation and rating base. Based on current estimates, it is expected the average increase in rates payable will be approximately 3.5% for all existing properties. The final valuation record is still subject to quality assurance processes during the consultation period. ADELAIDE CITY COUNCIL 2014-15 Draft Business Plan and Budget Frequently Asked Questions 4
What Assistance is Available? Council continues to offer Council-funded remission of rates to eligible ratepayers: pensioners (maximum of $100), self-funded retirees (maximum of $50), and low income beneficiaries (maximum of $100) in addition to administering the State Government funded Concession available to eligible pensioners, self-funded retirees and those receiving low income benefits. Separate Rates Separate rates will continue to be levied for the purposes of managing and marketing the Rundle Mall Precinct and to recover funds on behalf of the Adelaide & Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board. The Rundle Mall Management Authority has been asked to review the structure of its separate rate for 2014-15. The recommendations of this review will be considered in setting the rate in the dollar for the separate rate in 2014-15. Rate capping Council will consider the impact of rating valuation movements and new developments in the city in setting the final level of rates for 2014-15. Rates payable for Residential Owner Occupiers were capped at 10% in 2013-14. A decision on whether rates payable will be capped for 2014-15 will be made by Council in June 2014. ADELAIDE CITY COUNCIL 2014-15 Draft Business Plan and Budget Frequently Asked Questions 5
(3) Council s plan in relation to Placemaking Corporate Outcome Outcome 2: Trusted Partner 2014-15 Budget $650,000 Council is adopting a placemaking approach for the way we work with and enable community to create and enhance their places in the City. We are looking at the city through a number of lenses - as a whole, by district and by place. The energy, expertise and resources of those who use a district or place are brought to the table in decision making and community takes the lead in finding and resourcing solutions that work for them, which in turn builds community attachment to place. Placemaking seeks to achieve: - Unique districts and places that attract people and create attachment to the City through placemaking. - Empowered communities and strong partnerships through improved place governance. - Best practice organisation through better governance by working collaboratively with others to build our own and our communities capability, capacity and resilience. The first stage in implementing the Placemaking Strategy will involve three Place Pilot initiatives and the development of three initial District Plans: - The three place pilot initiatives will experiment with new ways of operating, trial and test using temporary approaches as well as identifying permanent and longer term actions for each place. - The three District Plans will be created by District Users, Place Managers and Council. Through these plans we will co-create a vision for the district based on the unique existing and potential place capital of the district. Council will work closely with the community to facilitate the district plan and support the development of district leadership. Both the Place Pilots and District Plans will involve in depth and surface levels of engagement with the community. Council will work to support quick win projects identified by the community to help transform and enhance places, whilst developing the longer term plans which will help form a future view of the districts. Council has committed staff resources to help facilitate the development of great places and empower and engage community. ADELAIDE CITY COUNCIL 2014-15 Draft Business Plan and Budget Frequently Asked Questions 6
(4) Council s plan in relation to the Rundle Mall Redevelopment Outcome 5: Prosperous City 2014-15 Budget $6 million Where to find more information Completion of new paving along the entire length of the Mall. The Mall is being refitted with natural stone pavers that accommodate emergency vehicle access and are pedestrian friendly for all visitors to the Mall. These pavers will result in a Mall that is DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) compliant, where as previously this was not the case in a number of locations. Visually, it will provide a lighter, cleaner, refreshing vibe for the Mall. Plug and Play activation. Numerous sites along either side of the Mall, from King William Street right down to Pulteney Street, will be fitted with electrical and water accessibility to allow for Plug and Play features to interchange from day to day. This could range from coffee and food vendors, fruit and veg stalls, flower stands, and entertainment pop-ups. This will see a dramatic changing of colour, noise and attractions throughout the week. Installation of a new Catenary lighting system. A state of the art catenary lighting system will be suspended above the Mall providing an inviting evening setting and adding enhanced lux levels for night time safety and activation. Greening the Mall through the planting of more trees the last of 47 Chinese Elms will be planted over the coming months. The deciduous nature of this species allows for shade in the hot summer months and sunlight through the cooler winter months. The final result will see nearly twice as many trees in the Mall as before the redevelopment. Refurbishment of the heritage Fountain and the Rundle Mall Spheres both of these iconic features are being temporarily removed so paving and underground infrastructure work can be completed. They will be given a thorough pampering and reinstated off-centre towards the end of the development. Increased seating and waste receptacles placed throughout the Mall to cater for increasing patronage. Underground works. A major part of the redevelopment will occur underground, where old and obsolete infrastructure for services is removed and new infrastructure such as stormwater is upgraded. This, along with a design that directs stormwater away from the buildings toward the centre of the Mall, will see Rundle Mall best positioned in the event of heavy rainfall. Other enhancements include new gas, electrical and fibre optic infrastructure to future proof the Mall. http://www.rundlemallmasterplan.com/ ADELAIDE CITY COUNCIL 2014-15 Draft Business Plan and Budget Frequently Asked Questions 7
(5) Council s plan in relation to the Smart Move Strategy Outcome 2: Accessible City 2014-15 Budget $1.425 million of Smart Move New Assets $715,000 for the FREE City Connector bus service Smart Moves 2014-15 funding will secure the following projects: Frome Street Transformation: continuing the upgrade of Frome Street to create the first north-south dedicated low-stress and separated bike lane in the city. In 2014-15 this includes constructing the section between Pirie Street and Grenfell Street, and undertaking consultation and design on the section between Grenfell Street and North Terrace, as well as Frome Road between North Terrace and Margaret Street. Promotion, education and travel behaviour change: includes undertaking important travel behaviour change and education campaigns to encourage walking and cycling, maximising Council s investment in infrastructure projects. State Black Spot co-funded pedestrian & cycle projects (x 2) :$100,000 in State Government funding is anticipated to undertake two projects, which will deliver safer walking and cycling networks, and are linked to the Bikeways Network and Sturt Street Community School Way2Go program. Free City Connector: Providing for the Tindo lease, and investigation of bus stop signage improvement and real-time information to create a more accessible service. Gawler Greenway Shared Path Upgrade: Council contribution to a State Government greenways project which upgrades the North Adelaide Station-Park Terrace link for pedestrians and cyclists. Bike End-of-Trip Facilities: up to 30 bike racks will be installed around the city to meet demand. North-South Active Cross-city Links Pedestrian Improvements: enhancing existing proposed bike projects on Russell, Owen, Compton streets and Margaret Street to include enhanced pedestrian facilities including continuous footpaths, footpath extensions and kerb ramps. FREE City Connector Bus Service Council s funding contribution to operate the jointly funded free City Connector bus service with State Government. The Free City Connector provides a more frequent free bus service in the city (15 minutes) and in North Adelaide (30 minutes), as well as larger and more comfortable buses that can cater for increased passenger capacity and people with mobility impairments. Where to find more information www.smartmoveadelaide.com.au ADELAIDE CITY COUNCIL 2014-15 Draft Business Plan and Budget Frequently Asked Questions 8
(6) Council s plan in relation to Asset Maintenance, Street scaping and Trees Outcome 1: City of Great Places 2014-15 Budget $30 million for Asset Maintenance including the Residential Street Development Program $22.6 million for Public Realm to ensure the City s parks, streets and public spaces are well-maintained Council has allocated $30 million in funding for 2014-15 to maintain our current assets. This includes: Victoria Park drainage improvement project around Halifax St and East Tce ($325,000) Creek rehabilitation projects across the Council region to improve flood management and biodiversity outcomes ($410,000) Electrical infrastructure renewals and upgrades ($710,00), including $210,000 upgrade in Elder Park Town Hall renewal and conservation ($900,000) Heritage building renewals upward of $1.1 million More than $1.7 million in footpath renewal and maintenance Over $1.2 million will be invested in 2014-15 in our Park Lands and Squares as part of our ongoing commitment to tree planting and management and street-scaping. 2014-15 will see some significant investment (over $5 million) in our road networks as part Council s ongoing commitment to improving the standards of our critical assets. Council is currently undertaking an audit of the road network which will prioritise where this investment is made; however, sections of Jeffcott St, Tynte St, Halifax St and Sir Edwin Smith Ave are earmarked. Adelaide City Council will continue the journey to create vibrant, attractive, liveable streets that reflect the character of neighbourhoods and the needs of residents through collaboration and co-creation with the local community via the $1 million Residential Streets Development Program (RSDP). These projects will come from successful Expression of Interest applications submitted by residents, and will range from enhancements of visual amenity and street-safety to traffic-calming devices and lighting improvements. How do I report specific issues to the Council? Adelaide Report IT Application http://www.adelaidecitycouncil.com/community/adelaide-report-it-smartphone-app/ Adelaide Report It is a free, simple, and intuitive smart phone application that enables you to identify and report council-specific issues such as potholes, graffiti and faulty street lights around Adelaide city and North Adelaide, to the Council for prompt actioning. This service empowers you to help make Adelaide a better place. Powered by CitySourced technology, the application uses your smart phone s global positioning system (GPS) to automatically identify the issue's location, simplifying the reporting process for you. Council strives to review and action all items as quickly as possible. Adelaide Report It is free to download and use and is available on a number of different platforms. ADELAIDE CITY COUNCIL 2014-15 Draft Business Plan and Budget Frequently Asked Questions 9
(7) Council s plan in relation to City Activation, including Splash Adelaide, Public Art, Sponsorships & Grants and Creative Hubs Outcome 1: City of Great Places and Outcome 3: Creative City 2014-15 Budget $1.6 million for Sponsorships & Grants $1 million for City Activation initiatives $180,000 as an ongoing contribution to Public Art in the New Assets budget category along with $85,000 for murals Our Sponsorships and Grants category is a critically important funding stream for a cross section of burgeoning events, a range of popular city favourites, along with organisations and individuals to assist in the delivery of art and cultural development, activities and programs in the City. We annually seek expressions of interest from eligible groups and organisations to assist in the staging of their activities, events and festivals. Our City Activating category has really underpinned Council s efforts to add vibrancy and energy to our city streets through well-established programs like Splash Adelaide. This funding stream encourage and empower the community to activate under-utilised squares, streets, laneways and spaces, along with providing and foster support South Australian Live Music. Public Art will deliver a program of artistically and culturally diverse accessible experiences where people can discover, interact, engage and participate. Where to find more information http://splashadelaide.com.au/ and http://www.adelaidecitycouncil.com/community/arts-culture/ ADELAIDE CITY COUNCIL 2014-15 Draft Business Plan and Budget Frequently Asked Questions 10
(8) Council s plan in relation to Green Energy and Sustainability initiatives Outcome 6: Environmentally Sustainable City 2014-15 Budget $885,000 for the climate change initiatives project The Climate Change Action Initiatives Fund (CCAIF) is Council's primary source of funding for addressing climate change in the City and the Corporation. The CCAIF will fund: A portion of the upgrade to Adelaide Aquatic Centre, including a cogeneration plant, to achieve very large reductions in energy use and carbon emissions Other energy efficiency works, especially installation of energy efficient LED lighting in Council s facilities Green Office Program (supporting City businesses to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, including the CitySwitch Program and Building Upgrade Finance) Community support programs, including Sustainable City incentives scheme that provides rebates for residents and community groups installing solar panels, solar hot water and rainwater tanks Climate change adaptation works and investigations, including participating in the Cooperative Research Centre for Low Carbon Living Purchase of Green Power and/or carbon offsets to meet Council s carbon emissions target Council is involved in a wide range of other sustainability initiatives, such as using recycled water for irrigation to reduce reliance on mains water and the River Murray, a very active program to protect and restore biodiversity in priority areas in the Park Lands, and collaboration with the Natural Resources Management Board to undertake projects aimed at improving the water quality in Torrens Lake. Council is also developing a new waste and recycling management service that aims to provide improved services, especially in high density residential settings, and deliver improved levels of recycling in the City. ADELAIDE CITY COUNCIL 2014-15 Draft Business Plan and Budget Frequently Asked Questions 11
(9) Council s plan to support increased Public Safety Outcome 4: Liveable City 2014-15 Budget $200,000 allocated for city lighting and safety projects Council s focus on safety & wellbeing continues for 2014-2015 through delivery of a range of actions outlined in the Safer City Strategy http://www.adelaidecitycouncil.com/assets/policies-papers/docs/strategy-safer-city-2013-17.pdf $200,000 has been allocated for city lighting and safety ($150,000 is proposed for security lighting and safety initiatives around the city and $50,000 is proposed for light focussed public art that supports safer way-finding and Placemaking initiatives -Topham, Bentham Pitt Street link) Lighting Lighting is key to how safe people feel in the city and adds greatly to a warm and welcoming environment. The Safety Lighting Budget supports safety lighting upgrades required to safely light the city. Priorities are determined through: a scan of City priorities with a focus on development and place pilot areas mapped safety audit data (volunteer assessment of key city wide entertainment areas with a focus on potential risk locations) Where serious crimes have occurred at night, lighting audits are conducted to determine if safety lighting improvements can be implemented to reduce the opportunity for similar crime to occur in this location. consultation with the community and businesses, Council and key stakeholders including SA Police and other agencies. Safer Paths Project North Adelaide - The Australian Government have confirmed that an election commitment will be met around $255,000 for a North Adelaide Safer Paths Project including three CCTV cameras supported by way finding and safety lighting. Funding for this project through the Safer Streets Grants is likely to be available late 2014. Topham Mall, Bentham and Pitt streets the lighting focussed public art component of this project will be informed by place based consultation and will be delivered in 2014/15 as a joint public art and safety initiative. ADELAIDE CITY COUNCIL 2014-15 Draft Business Plan and Budget Frequently Asked Questions 12
(10) Council s plan in relation to Recreation and Play spaces in the Park Lands, including the Adelaide Aquatic Centre Outcome 4: Liveable City 2014-15 Budget $1.9 million to complete the refurbishment of the Adelaide Aquatic Centre $375,000 for the Park Lands projects that support improved engagement with the space Stage 2 of the Adelaide Aquatic Centre refurbishment (scheduled for July 2014 October 2014) involves the upgrade to the 50 metre pool which includes the complete retiling of the pool, installation of an accessibility ramp, new water filtration and boilers. The end result will see the Adelaide Aquatic Centre with a modern, operationally efficient and DDA compliant 50 meter pool to complement the works undertaken in Stage 1 to the leisure pool / learn to swim area. For more information please visit www.adelaideaquaticcentre.com.au In consultation with the local community and State Government, Council plans to spend $375,000 on a range of Park Land projects to across our Park Lands space. These projects are yet to be determined and will be created in consultation with key stakeholders and will seek to leverage the State Government s annual commitment of $5 million for enhancements to the Park Lands. ADELAIDE CITY COUNCIL 2014-15 Draft Business Plan and Budget Frequently Asked Questions 13
(11) Council s plan to support Community Services, including Libraries, Community Centres & Volunteer Services Outcome 4: Liveable City 2014-15 Budget $5.1 million to support our Libraries $470,000 for our Community Centres $100,000 to fund our Volunteer Program In 2014-2015 Adelaide Community Centres and Libraries in North Adelaide, the South West, the South East and Rundle Mall will continue to work with community members to co- create a suite of neighborhood programs and activities that build community capacity. Community Centre and Neighborhood Development programs and activities in 2014-2015 will focus on building community capacity around leadership, welcoming new residents into City communities, facilitating connections and building trust between neighbors. Work will continue to build and celebrate the City s unique local neighborhoods. The Library service will continue to provide quality collections and deliver a broad range of initiatives that encourage the ever growing number of new members and visitors. Customers will be able to broaden their reading experience and learn new skills through initiatives such as author talks, book clubs, arts residencies and workshops. In addition the City Library will build on the success of its first 6 months of operation continuing to encourage new ways of thinking and engaging through new technologies in the Digital, Media and Innovation spaces. During 2014-2015 the 340 Adelaide City Council volunteers will continue to add value to programs across the city such as the Volunteer Information Service, Digital training, Community and Library Services and Event support. A new informal match-making volunteer service will be established for city residents, encouraging community connectedness. Additionally, Council will continue to take on a leadership role in fostering reconciliation with Aboriginal people, provide quality home and community care services and strive to make the City a place which is accessible for all, with a focus on people with a disability ADELAIDE CITY COUNCIL 2014-15 Draft Business Plan and Budget Frequently Asked Questions 14
(12) Council s plan to support the City Economy Outcome 5: Prosperous City 2014-15 Budget Many areas of the 2014-15 budget include funding to support the City Economy some key figures include: $300,000 for Adelaide Convention Bureau Funding $265,000 to support Enterprise Adelaide $200,000 for Education Adelaide Funding $100,000 for Business Growth and Investment $60,000 for Innovyz Start The Council is committed to growing the City Economy by supporting City businesses and organisations to thrive and prosper. We will do this by building the capacity of existing businesses and foster new businesses and investment as well as fostering an environment where innovative and entrepreneurial businesses collaborate. Key initiatives include: Partnering with the Adelaide Convention Bureau to attract meetings, conventions, exhibitions etc. to the City which will have flow on effects for City businesses. Specific benefits include promotion of the Adelaide Town Hall, Rundle Mall and Central Markets. Continued support for its One Stop shop for business through its business advisory service - Enterprise Adelaide. Enterprise Adelaide assists business start-ups and existing City businesses with advice, support, connections and case management services and ultimately making it easier for business in the City. Enterprise Adelaide s work with new businesses will also contribute to City vibrancy, and the evening economy. Partnering with Education Adelaide to promote Adelaide as a destination for international students and to enhance their experience of living in the City. Facilitating programs, hosting and supporting events in partnership with key stakeholders to enhance capability and competiveness of small and medium businesses in the City and support business growth and new investment through the Business Growth & Investment Program. Support for Innovyz Start - an intensive accelerator program enabling 20 startups annually with substantial growth potential to launch and build their business through coaching and mentoring by highly experienced and successful entrepreneurs. ADELAIDE CITY COUNCIL 2014-15 Draft Business Plan and Budget Frequently Asked Questions 15