Last week I had the pleasure of helping open the new playground near Bonaira Oval.
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It is always great to be able to get out and about and hear how happy people are with our outdoor areas.
The parents and carers who turned up for the opening at the Bonaira playground were delighted with the new equipment and modern soft-fall surface.
The little kids were obviously thrilled, which is the most important thing.
What is especially great about this playground is that council staff worked with local parents and other residents in choosing the equipment.
Next month we’ll also be building a new playground at Gainsborough Reserve.
What I also enjoyed about opening the new Bonaira playground was to show the media an example of where rates are spent.
I was being questioned about the Special Rate Variation (SRV) and I told the media, as I have said to everyone who asks me:
The SRV is needed to maintain (or renew in this case) local infrastructure. This, of course, includes updating our playgrounds.
For those asking what about the playground in my neighbourhood, I have good news for many of you.
The draft operational and delivery plans for 2018-19, which are now on public exhibition, include budget allocations to renew five playgrounds across the municipality.
We’ve provided more than $400,000 for new equipment for playgrounds at Jubilee Park, James Muir Miller Reserve and Croft Place in Gerringong, Reid Park in Jamberoo and Hillview Circuit in Kiama.
For the slightly bigger kids, we’ll also be starting work on the highly-anticipated BMX Track for the Sanctuary Place Quarry.
We’ll also be continuing the construction of the Jamberoo Valley Cycleway.
Another initiative we’ve been able to fund as a result of the SRV is the roll-out of eight water bubbler stations at Blowhole Point, Gainsborough Skate Park, Kendalls Beach, North Bombo Beach and Werri Beach.
Of course every piece of equipment we build or install must be paid for and maintained for years to come. That costs money.
Council staff have been extremely mindful of being financially responsible while also being able to maintain the services and facilities that underpin our great community and the way of life we enjoy.
Seeing the smiles on the kids faces at Bonaira playground, I can tell you they are doing a great job.