The Blacktown City Council announced a record $736 million budget for its plans to update public facilities earlier this month. Mayor Stephen Bali stated that “maintaining a city as large as Blacktown is a massive job. A well-built and adequately maintained public facilities network is critical for any city – especially one that’s experiencing Blacktown’s level of growth and change”.
Bali’s plan addresses the backlog of maintenance work worth $80 million in 2014 which has been reduced to $48.4 million in 2019. Additionally, the council aims to reduce the backlog further over the coming financial year by securing a $21.4 million funding allocation towards asset renewal projects which are highlighted in the 2019/2020 budget.
“The budget is balanced and financially responsible, fulfilling our promises to both transform the City and continue to meet the increased demand for new infrastructure, services and maintenance.”
The city of Blacktown is spread over 247 square kilometres, covers 48 suburbs with 6 more on the way, and is home to over 370,000 residents. As such, the need for public facilities such as a good road network, footpaths, drains, bridges, community spaces, and recreational sites cannot be overlooked.
Mayor Bali expressed his belief that open spaces and sports fields make a major contribution to the wellbeing of our community.
“We are spending $33.8 million to maintain our open space facilities and sports fields and $3.1 million has been allocated for new open space in the growing areas of Riverstone and Schofields” said Mayor Bali.
Council has also budgeted $26 million this year towards the detailed design and initial site works for the International Centre of Training Excellence (ICTE) to be constructed at the Blacktown International Sports Park.
The council has also decided to spend $10.3 million to maintain five libraries across the city. “Despite the reduction of state government funding over the years, Council has continued to provide high quality libraries for residents, which attract more than 1.5 million visitors and host over 2,000 events each year”.
Major areas of operational spending in the 2019/2020 Blacktown City budget include:
• $69.3 million on maintaining roads, footpaths and bridges
• $48.6 million on waste management services
• $33.8 million on open space including parks, reserves and sporting fields
• $27.6 million on building maintenance and renewal
• $23.9 million on Kids’ Early Learning centres
• $20.1 million on aquatic, leisure and recreation centres
• $10.3 million on Blacktown City libraries.
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