An extraordinary amount of infrastructure will be rolled out over the next financial year after The Hills Shire Council adopted its Hills Shire Plan during an Ordinary Meeting of Council.
Council will invest $174.2 million on delivering new community facilities, as well as refreshing and maintaining existing assets. This includes $7.5 million to construct the new playing fields at the Water Lane Reserve, $1.9 million on Kenthurst Park extension to the upper field and $583,000 for Deepwater Circuit open space embellishment project.
Meanwhile, Council will continue to construct Waves Fitness and Aquatic Centre and is looking forward to commencing operations next year.
Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Michelle Byrne said she was proud of 2021-2022 Hills Shire Plan.
"We are a community experiencing growth and this plan provides access to a range of services and facilities that contribute to the health and wellbeing of residents," Mayor Byrne said.
"Our Plan continues to build on our vision for a more connected and inclusive region; with safe, convenient and accessible transport options and a variety of recreational activities that support active lifestyles.
"We've also allocated money to roll out new and improved infrastructure, especially in our newer areas, including in Box Hill and North Kellyville.
"This Plan ensures our neighbourhoods remain well-planned, liveable and family-friendly, whilst also meeting growth targets. And it also makes sure our natural surroundings are valued, maintained and enhanced.
"I'm incredibly proud of the Hills Shire Plan and the work that will occur over the next 12-months to support a growing region," Mayor Byrne added.
Some of the key highlights from the Plan include:
- $21 million for new and renewal of existing roads;
- $6.1 million for infrastructure design and project management;
- $3.2 million for traffic facilities;
- $1.9 million for new footpaths, cycleways and bridges;
- $3.2 million for street lighting;
- $3.1 million for the purchase of plan and equipment;
- $92.6 million for acquiring land for open space embellishment;
- $1.9 million for various new parks construction;
- $2.1 million for various embellishment of parks gardens;
- $13.5 million to maintain existing parks and bushland;
- $11.8 million to maintain civil assets; and
- $3.8 million for storm water and waterways projects.
Adding to the works, Council's events program is back and running again, after COVID-19 restrictions were eased.
"Like many other Councils, businesses and organisations, Council was not immune from the economic impacts of COVID-19. We had to temporarily shut venues and services, and cancel our events," Mayor Byrne said.
"In this Plan, we've set aside $1.8 million to kick-start our events program, which is fantastic news for residents.
"I'm really looking forward to joining you at Orange Blossom Festival, which is returning on August 28. We've planned an exciting evening with light installations, live music and delicious street food," Mayor Byrne added.
Mayor Byrne said, despite the economic impacts from COVID-19, Council remained fit for the future.
"I would like to thank my fellow Councillors, the General Manager Michael Edgar and Council Officers for their work, especially during the pandemic. We have remained strategic and disciplined in our approach, making us one of the best performing councils in the state," Mayor Byrne said.
"These sound decisions meant essential services were maintained, including waste collection, road repairs and Meals on Wheels, and that Council remains in a strong financial position," Mayor Byrne added.
The Hills Shire Plan consists of the Hills Future Community Strategic Plan, Delivery Program, Resource Strategy, Annual Operation which also contains the Budget and Fees and Charges for the 2021-22 financial year.
To find out more, please visit Council's website, www.thehills.nsw.gov.au, and search for "Hills Shire Plan".
