Pictured: Mayor Gangemi pictured at an intersection on Annangrove Road which has secured funding as part of this plan.
A $162.8 million infrastructure spend is the centrepiece of The Hills Shire Council's 2024-25 budget that prioritises maintaining, renewing and building roads, parks, paths and playgrounds for growing Hills Shire communities.
The draft plan, which is now open for feedback until 8 May 2024, outlines projects and services to be delivered across The Hills Shire in 2024-25, along with the Draft Operational Plan.
Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Peter Gangemi said Council has allocated a total of $308.5 million to fund community wellbeing, manage growth, build and maintain infrastructure and preserve the natural environment for the upcoming fiscal year.
"Council is entrusted with safeguarding community assets valued at $5.5 billion on behalf of our residents," Mayor Gangemi said.
"This plan reflects our proactive approach to addressing evolving needs and ensuring a high quality of life for all.
"We are doing this by allocating $54.4 million to services such as our libraries, childcare, aged and disability services, aquatic and community facilities, SES and bushfire operations and much more.
"$12.3 million will be used for infrastructure planning, asset inspections, land use and developer contributions planning, and grant funding project management.
"$162.8 million will be spent on maintaining, renewing and building new assets, while $68.7 million will be allocated to environmental initiatives, public health and waste services.
"Council has been debt-free since 2002 and will work hard to remain that way as we continue to run our activities on a sustainable long-term footing.
"I am proud of The Hills Shire Plan that our staff have put together for our community, and I encourage residents to have their say on the plans during the exhibition period."
Highlights from the plan for the 2024-2025 financial year
Vital road upgrades in growth areas
- Annangrove Road upgrade - $24.4 million
Upgrading the stretch of road between Withers and Windsor Roads to four lanes, including a signalised intersection at the Water Lane and Withers Road. The upgrade will also provide shared pathways and cycleways. This is subject to the receipt of State Government grant funding.
- Withers Road upgrade - $20.2 million
Upgrade of the road from Smalls Creek to Barry Road and from Annangrove Road to Mile End Road.
- Boundary Road upgrade - $28.5 million
Construction of a new bridge and road over Killarney Chain of Ponds Creek ($17.6M) and a signalised intersection at the corner of Brocklebank Street, Commercial Road, and Boundary Road ($10.9M) is subject to the finalisation of a cost-sharing agreement.
More space to play and socialise
Council has pledged to invest $1.4 million in constructing new parks and playgrounds and $1.9 million in refurbishing existing parks. This budget includes the Livvi's Place extension development at Bernie Mullane Sports Complex, which will feature new playground equipment and an amenities building.
Improved walkability and cycleways
Council has allocated $7 million for the construction of new footpaths, cycleways, and bridges. This includes a cycleway along Cattai Creek as part of the Cattai Creek Corridor project and a new shared pathway and cycleway along Norwest Boulevard, from Old Windsor Road to Windsor Road.
Additionally, Council will spend $300,000 on improving street lighting throughout the Shire.
