Kiama council has announced new funding arrangements with an aim to better managing the municipality’s 80-kilometre stormwater network.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Director of Engineering and Works Gino Belsito said council would provide dedicated and long-term funding for the network via a specific stormwater management charge from July 1, 2017.
“Our ageing stormwater system requires increased funds so it can continue to meet current as well as future demands,” Mr Belsito said.
“The charge will provide dedicated funds on a permanent basis to perform maintenance as well as capital renewal works.”
Kiama council does not currently charge a dedicated charge to fund stormwater management services.
The network consists of 3900 storm water pits and considerably more pipes, channels and litter traps, and has a replacement cost of $34,321,129.
Mr Belsito said the range of activities conducted by council staff included:
*Inspecting stormwater pits and cleaning litter capture devices.
*Inspecting and make safe any stormwater defects within five business hours.
*Renewing stormwater components.
*Upgrades and additions to the stormwater network.
“Stormwater infrastructure is one of those things that go unnoticed until it stops working properly,” he said.
“The work preventing breakdowns and repairing defects is considerable, while serious breakdowns can affect lives and property.”
The stormwater management service charge will apply to residential and business in the urban zone for which council provides stormwater services.
The charge will not apply to vacant land.
The stormwater management service charge is part of council’s Long Term Financial Plan, which was developed to meet the state government’s Fit for the Future requirements.