Blacktown City Council is giving residents and businesses the opportunity to join an online forum on 24 May, and have their questions answered on issues arising from Council's draft 2021/22 Operational Plan and Budget.
Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said; "Council has adopted a draft budget of $656 million for the 2021/22 financial year, including a major capital works program of more than $150 million.
"People joining the online forum will also get the benefit of insights from our guest speaker, West HQ CEO, Richard Errington.
"The draft Budget is now on public exhibition and we will use the online forum as an opportunity to explain the budget and give an update on Council's major projects.
"Council also wants to respond to questions on the Budget and we are encouraging residents to submit video or written questions and we will attempt to answer them during the forum.
"Last year at the height of COVID, I and my fellow Councillors made a commitment to this City that Council would maintain services, preserve the health and wellbeing of our residents and our staff alike, and continue with the transformation of Blacktown into a modern, sustainable city.
"I believe we have delivered. The ACU Campus is fully operational in the CBD, the $80 million Warrick Lane precinct redevelopment is nearing completion, initial works have started on the $100 million International Centre of Training Excellence at Blacktown International Sportspark and construction begins this year on a $30 million Animal Rehoming Centre at Glendenning." Mayor Bleasdale said.
Blacktown City Council 2021/22 Budget key points.
- Budget forecast spending for 2021/22 - $656 million
- $150 million allocated to major capital works in 2021/22
- $65.5 million for the purchase of land in the new release areas to deliver essential drainage and water infrastructure
- $20.6 million for road and footpath repairs and improvements across the City
- $60.8 million for the operation and maintenance of waste collection and management services.
- $25.3 million for the operation of Kids' Early Learning (KEL) child care centres.
- $10.1 million for the operation of 5 libraries.
- $21.7 million will go towards the operation of 5 Leisure Centres, the Leo Kelly Arts Centre, Blacktown, and to other community and recreational facilities.
Blacktown City Council online budget forum: Monday 24 May 2021 – 7.00pm.
https://www.facebook.com/BlacktownCityCouncil/
Council's draft 2021/22 Operational Plan and Budget is currently on public exhibition until 1 June 2021 at: https://www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/202122operationalplan
