Mayor's Column - 27 June 2012 - City improvements

Date Posted: 27 June 2012

Half way through another year and with so many things happening it’s perhaps a good time to reflect on some of the work Council has been planning to improve facilities and which is now well underway.

Around mid 2011, Council adopted strategies for its public toilets and community halls to make sure they are meeting and will meet into the future the needs of our community.  Work undertaken since then has included refurbishment works on halls at Rathmines and Argenton, and the opening of the new community centre at Cameron Park.  The former community cottage at Cameron Park went to auction earlier this month, and once finalised, proceeds from the sale will go towards improving other community facilities across the city.

Work on public toilets over the last year included demolition of facilities at Fennell Bay, Speers Point, and Blackalls Park, as they were not compliant with current accessibility standards.  The city’s newest facility at Speers Point Park, which incorporates toilets and a café, has been well received by the community.  Residents and visitors can also look forward to new toilet facilities at Warners Bay foreshore and Redhead beach in the next year.

Improvements to bus stops and shelters have continued, with a further annual allocation of $250,000 to upgrade bus stops and build new shelters.  This year Council has constructed eight new bus shelters at Blacksmiths, Belmont South, Bennetts Green, Jewells, Cardiff South (2), Charlestown, and Valentine.

Entry signage for town centres is another improvement that has been well received, particularly by the business community, as the signage has a strong visual appeal and will help promote our city and town centres.  Signs have been constructed at Swansea (2), Toronto (3), Belmont (3), Warners Bay (1) and Morisset (1).  Next year, we will continue to install town entry signage, as well as construct city entry signs.  I’m very pleased with the design of these entry features, each having been themed to key landforms of the local area.

Article by Mayor Greg Piper