Blacktown City Council has released a draft budget that shows a commitment to delivering high quality community services and provides transformational infrastructure for our residents and businesses .

The budget , a legacy of the leadership of the late Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM , ensures a sustainable future , and also sets a platform for investment in our city .

The biggest council in NSW by population has delivered a $ 758 million balanced budget and operational plan for the 2024 / 25 financial year which Council has released for public exhibition and feedback from 14 May .

Blacktown City Deputy Mayor Chris Quilkey said , “ Blacktown City is one of the largest and fastest growing council areas in Australia , and the 2024 / 25 budget lays out the blueprint to maintain the delivery of Council ’ s essential services whilst delivering infrastructure that meets community expectations .

“ We have struck a balance between meeting the increasing needs of our city , and maintaining Council ’ s financial sustainability .”

“ Our 2024 / 25 draft Operational Plan is the latest to build on a hard-won legacy of financial stability , supporting Council ’ s capital works program to build and improve our city ’ s roads , footpaths , community facilities , and recreational spaces .

“ Through this budget we continue to invest in the future of Blacktown City , its growing resident population and its business community .”

“ This budget is a testament to the leadership and legacy of our much-loved late Mayor , Tony Bleasdale OAM , who recently passed away .” Deputy Mayor Quilkey said .

The 2024 / 25 budget will empower strategic centres at Mount Druitt , Riverstone and Marsden Park .

The work Council will do in these centres will secure investment that adds to the creation of employment , community opportunities and quality housing across our city .

Council ’ s vision for town centres such as the one at Mount Druitt will create a highly connected network of useable , safe and attractive public spaces at the centre of a thriving retail , commercial and residential town centre .

Through the transformation of existing infrastructure and the building of new infrastructure , Council will continue to provide first class facilities for our growing communities .

These include a $ 15 million Disability Sport Centre of Excellence for Blacktown City at the Blacktown International Sports Park ; Council will deliver Ken Birdsey Park at Schofields . The $ 32 million project will transform 20 hectares of open space for soccer and cricket , with amenities

buildings , a children ’ s playground , and pathways . The budget includes $ 16.2 million for new parks at Riverstone and Schofields .

Council also allocated $ 21.8 million for road and footpath improvements across the city , the Council are also working with the Minns Government to deliver Blacktown City ’ s next group of transformational infrastructure projects under the Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program .

The Program will deliver :

• A new Community Resource Hub in the heart of the Seven Hills town centre .

• The revitalisation of the Mount Druitt Hub including the modernisation of the existing community centre and upgrades to the adjacent public space .

• The modernisation of the Blacktown Aquatic Centre and Mount Druitt Swimming Centre .

• A new and improved Police and Community Youth Centres ( PCYC ) facility at the existing Shalvey location .

• A First Nations Cultural Hub in Mount Druitt , that is a new purposebuilt , cultural healing centre for the Western Sydney First Nations community .

• A new Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre that celebrates Blacktown ’ s exciting arts scene , championing its diverse culture and enabling future generations to contribute and benefit from this new cultural space .

Council welcomes investment in Blacktown City by the Walker Corporation . Public consultation has demonstrated community support for the Blacktown Quarter project that will revitalise the Blacktown city centre , bringing thousands of jobs , and creating a catalyst for future investment in Blacktown City .

Council ’ s sound financial management over many years has allowed us to handle several ongoing financial challenges , imposed by successive state government policies . These include restrictions on Council revenue due to NSW Governmentimposed rate pegging and caps on levies from developers .

Deputy Mayor Quilkey said , “ We all share a deep love for our city and a desire to see our community and businesses thrive . With an official population of 435,000 residents , spanning 54 suburbs , the future of our city is in our hands . Council ’ s budget initiatives are laying the foundation for our city ’ s successful future . This budget reaffirms Council ’ s commitment to delivering infrastructure and services efficiently , effectively , and sustainably .”

In addition to Council ’ s transformational projects , the 2024 / 25 budget has allocated $ 135 million for vital community infrastructure , including roads , parks , swimming pools and libraries :

• Council will invest $ 16.2 million in developing new open space in the growing areas of Riverstone and Schofields , $ 41 million for land purchases in new release areas to deliver essential drainage and water infrastructure , and $ 10.2 million for new drainage and stormwater infrastructure in the growing

areas of Riverstone , Rouse Hill and Marsden Park .

• $ 3 million for new roadworks in the North West Growth Area

• $ 23 million will go towards building improvements across Blacktown City , with an additional $ 7.2 million to upgrade facilities at Council ’ s sporting grounds

Maintaining Council ’ s service provision remains a top priority in this budget :

• $ 29 million is allocated to ensure Council ’ s Kids ’ Early Learning centres can continue to deliver the best quality care and education across one of the biggest childcare operations in NSW .

• $ 25 million will go to Blacktown

City ’ s 5 aquatic and leisure centres , the Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre as well as community centres and recreational facilities

• Blacktown City Libraries will receive $ 11 million over the coming financial year .

You can you ’ re your say on Blacktown City Council ’ s Draft Delivery Program 2022- 2026 , Operational Plan 2024 / 25 ( including the budget ), Draft Works Improvement Program 2024 / 25 ( capital works ), Draft Goods and Services Pricing Schedule 2024 / 25 ( fees and charges ), and Draft Long- Term Financial Plan 2024-2044 .

Visit Councils website before the 11th June https :// www . blacktown . nsw . gov . au / Have-Your-Say