25 May 2017 – Media Release
Cumberland Council has unveiled its draft Operational Plan and Budget for 2017/18, which will return $184.5m back to the community.
Highlights of the Operational Plan and Budget 2017-18 include:
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- $65.8m in capital works, including new projects worth $12.4m
- $24.7m for roads, traffic and street cleaning including $9.8m for re-sheeting of roads
- $4.4m for footpaths and cycleways
- $12.9m for parks upgrades and maintenance including:
- the development of a $3.5m Regional Sporting Complex at Gipps Road
- $2.09m in upgrades to Central Gardens and Auburn Botanic Gardens
- $15.4m for community facilities including:
- $5m towards Granville multipurpose community centre, library and regional gallery
- $1m expansion of Auburn Library
Cumberland Council Interim General Manager Malcolm Ryan said the budget was about taking Council’s savings and returning them to the community, with significant upgrades right across the council area and new major works.
“Cumberland Council recognises that after the merger we have greater scale and capacity to deliver on the community’s vision than ever before,” Mr Ryan said
“The Delivery Program and Operational Plan is our response to the aspirations of local residents. It details how we will make their vision a reality.
“This budget delivers new playgrounds, roads, footpaths, community and sporting venues; all while taking good care of our existing assets.
“Despite the big tickets items, this is also a responsible budget. The budget projects a net surplus of $2.1m for 2017-18 after paying off $4.4m in inherited debt.
“Cumberland Council is determined to deliver the best services at the most affordable rates. The budget allocates money to continue developing those policies that bring a fair and consistent approach to the three former local government areas.
“The budget factors in the 7% rate increase for Holroyd residents, as passed by the former Holroyd Council in 2014 and a 1.5% increase in the former Auburn and Parramatta Council areas as set by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal NSW (IPART) in 2016.”
The draft Delivery Program 2017-21 and Operational Plan 2017-18 will go on public display for 28 days from Thursday 25 May and can be viewed online at the Have Your Say section of the Cumberland Council Website.
