Blacktown City Council has announced a record $736 million 2019-20 balanced budget.
Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP said: "This Blacktown budget is the largest to date and delivers on promises made to residents and business alike.
"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.
"This year's budget delivers increases in service delivery and capital works despite more funding shortfalls from the Federal and NSW Governments, and a NSW Government imposed income cap.
"Council plans to undertake capital works of $269 million on new and upgrading works for our roads, footpaths, bridges, buildings, drainage, transport facilities and parks in the coming financial year.
"Council is proud to announce major capital works spending for the coming 12 months on two projects vital to the transformation of Blacktown City." Mayor Bali said.
Council has budgeted $65 million this financial year for the Warrick Lane transformational project in the Blacktown city centre, including demolition work, site preparation and construction of the 450-space underground car park, open plaza and flanking buildings.
The Warrick Lane precinct will be the eventual home of Australian Catholic University – Blacktown, providing education and research facilities for up to 5,000 students by 2029.
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 Sportspark.
Major capital works spending outlined in the budget:
- $105.9 million for the purchase of land in new release areas to deliver essential roads and drainage infrastructure.
- $65 million towards the Warrick Lane transformational project.
- $26 million for the International Centre of Training Excellence.
- $31.6 million for road and footpath construction and improvements across the City.
- $18.2 million for drainage and stormwater construction and upgrades.
- $9.9 million allocated for open space, upgrading of facilities and rehabilitation works in the City's reserves, parks and sporting grounds.
- $6 million for building improvements across the City
"Council's operating budget of nearly $352 million will meet the increased demand for services for residents and maintenance of our roads, footpaths, bridges, recreational areas and sporting fields," Mayor Bali said.
Council will spend more than $68 million maintaining the city's roads, drains, footpaths and bridges and will spend over $48 million providing waste management services.
(see Media release: 'Blacktown's massive maintenance spend').
Ward Projects
Ward 1
Roadwork and bridgework improvements - $6.8 million
New drainage works: Alex Avenue and Hambledon Road, Schofields - $5 million
New drainage works: west of Hambledon Road and east of Nazarene Crescent, Schofields - $2.1 million
New drainage works: Railway Terrace to Gill Place, Schofields - $1.2 million
New reserve: Reserve 873 between Greenview Parade and Ridgeline Drive, The Ponds - $1.7 million
New drainage works: Braeside Crescent, The Ponds - $876,000
New reserve: Reserve 971, Schofields - $650,000
New drainage works: Bioretention design optimisation - $850,000
Ward 2
Roadwork and bridgework improvements - $3.2 million
Upgrade irrigation system: Reserve 371 Pearce Reserve, Kings Langley - $260,000
Playground replacement: Kids' Early Learning - Kings Langley East - $187,000
Access road reconstruction: Reserve 72 International Peace Park, Seven Hills - $145,000
Playground upgrade: Reserve 52 Bill Swift, Blacktown - $112,000
Various stormwater management projects across ward - $567,000
Replace the existing timber bridge deck near Elba Way Reserve 787 Refalo Reserve, Glenwood - $100,000
Renovate bathrooms at Kids Early Learning Lalor Park - $90,000
Upgrade playing fields Reserve 186, Harvey Park, Marayong - $85,000
Ward 3
Roadwork and bridgework improvements - $4.2 million
Buildings: 81-85 Flushcombe Road, Blacktown upgrade air conditioning - $850,000
New drainage works: Bungarribee Creek, Arndell Park - $253,000
New drainage works: Kildare Road, Doonside - $230,000
Playground upgrade: Reserve 44 William Lawson Park, Prospect - $112,000
Rehabilitation of Creek within Joseph Banks Reserve, Breakfast Creek, Blacktown - $125,000
Rehabilitation of Creek within Soldier's Settlement, Seven Hills - $125,000
Renovation to St Bartholomew's Church interior and security system upgrade - $100,000
Ward 4
Roadwork and bridgework improvements - $3 million
Upgrade playing field: Reserve 606 Minchinbury Reserve, Minchinbury - $480,000
Pedestrian pathway: Reserve 204 Nurragingy Reserve, Doonside - $300,000
Reconstruct netball court: Reserve 489 Morreau Reserve, Rooty Hill - $255,000
Buildings: AFL/Cricket Stadium - repaint stadium - $250,000
Sportsgrounds improvements – install irrigation at Reserve 9, Harry Dennison Park - $210,000
Sportsgrounds improvements – replace existing lighting on Baseball Diamond 2 - $200,000
Upgrade road from Knox Road entrance to Nurragingy Reserve 204 - $200,000
Ward 5
Roadwork and bridgework improvements - $3.4 million
New drainage works: Glengarrie Road Basin, Marsden Park - $1.5 million
New drainage works: Goroka Street, Whalan - $419,000
New reserve: Reserve 996 between Pius Lane and Elara Boulevard, Marsden Park - $313,230
Buildings: Charlie Lowes Leisure Centre – new heat pump - $190,000
Watercycle management: Richmond Road Basin 1- Design 1A - $200,000
Watercycle management: South Street Channel 1 - Design Part A - $200,000
Buildings: Clarlie Lowes Leisure Centre – Replace tiles and stadium floor - $350,000
