Whether you live in Parramatta or Cumberland, residents are now invited to have their say as both Councils release their roadmap for the next financial year.
Economic recovery is the highest priority for both Councils, with infrastructure projects, programs and services at the forefront of the plans.
City of Parramatta Council’s Delivery Program 2018-2022 and Operational Plan 2021/22 outlines how Council will implement its core services, activities, programs and projects in the next financial year.
It also details proposed budgets, fees and charges to support the delivery of these activities.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Bob Dwyer said the delivery program will help meet the needs of the growing and changing community.
“Not only is Sydney’s Central River City undergoing a major transformation but it is also rebuilding amid the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.
“In the year ahead, our focus remains on continuing to carefully manage and improve our financial position while ensuring the community has ongoing access to vital infrastructure and services.”
Council has budgeted $311.7 million towards capital expenditures in the next financial year to deliver major strategic projects for the community, including the Parramatta Square development, new Parramatta Aquatic and Leisure Centre, Epping Aquatic Centre redevelopment, Phillip Street Smart Street Stage 2, Parramatta Urban Amenity Improvement Program, and City River Works Program.
In 2021/22, Council is budgeting for an operating deficit of $15.8 million due to a combination of compulsory acquisition of car parks, the ongoing impact of COVID on rates and car park revenue, and increases in depreciation on stormwater assets that were revalued in the previous financial year. Council will undertake a strategic review to ensure its net operating result returns to a surplus over the medium to long term.
Cumberland City Council has also released its Operational Plan, detailing its annual budget, revenue policy, rates, fees and charges.
Mayor Steve Christou said the pandemic’s financial impacts were reflected in the budget.
“The financial challenges over this past pandemic year have been immense and we’ve taken difficult decisions to ensure that we can deliver essential services and important infrastructure projects within budget,” he said.
“I encourage transparency and accessibility. This is your chance to have input on what you want to see in your local community.”
Parramatta residents can provide feedback at: https://bit.ly/3u1sBb0 and Cumberland residents at: https://bit.ly/2QAB7Q0.
Parramatta submissions must be received by 5pm on Tuesday, May 25 and Cumberland residents must submit by Thursday, May 27.
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.