Q. How will the proposed Infrastructure Levy affect the average ratepayer?
The Minister for Local Government has announced a 3.5% rate cap for Council rates across NSW.
The Infrastructure Levy proposed by Ashfield Council is for a further 4% (total 7.5%) increase to be spent specifically on infrastructure maintenance and renewal.
This levy would represent an additional $31.50 per year, or 60 cents per week on the average residential rate notice.
The levy would represent an additional $145 per year, or less than $2.80 per week on the average business rate notice.
Q. What will the money be spent on?
The Infrastructure Levy will be spent on civic infrastructure maintenance and renewal, including roads, footpaths and parks.
Projects include:
- Replacing very poor condition footpaths(category 4)
- Upgrading priority roads (an extra 20% of road resurfacing
- Croydon North CBD Stages 2 and 3
- Georges River Road shops and Forbes Street parking
- Replacing failing traffic devices
- Integrated footpath and bike routes
- Aerial bundling of overhead powerlines through mature trees
- Progressive repairs to paving along Liverpool Road through the Ashfield CBD
- Traffic management measures on a scheme / area basis.
- Upgrade Yeo Park Toilet Block
- Renovated changerooms at Pratten Park
- Improvements at Cecilia Herman Reserve