A $ 162.8 million infrastructure spend is the centrepiece of The Hills Shire Council ’ s 2024-25 budget that prioritises maintaining , renewing and building roads , parks , paths and playgrounds for growing Hills Shire communities .

The draft plan , which is now open for feedback until 8 May 2024 , outlines projects and services to be delivered across The Hills Shire in 2024-25 , along with the Draft Operational Plan .

Mayor of The Hills Shire , Dr Peter Gangemi said Council has allocated a total of $ 308.5 million to fund community wellbeing , manage growth , build and maintain infrastructure and preserve the natural environment for the upcoming fiscal year .

“ Council is entrusted with safeguarding community assets valued at $ 5.5 billion on behalf of our residents ,” Mayor Gangemi said .

“ This plan reflects our proactive approach to addressing evolving needs and ensuring a high quality of life for all .

“ We are doing this by allocating $ 54.4 million to services such as our libraries , childcare , aged and disability services , aquatic and community facilities , SES and bushfire operations and much more .

“$ 12.3 million will be used for infrastructure planning , asset inspections , land use and developer contributions

planning , and grant funding project management .

“$ 162.8 million will be spent on maintaining , renewing and building new assets , while $ 68.7 million will be allocated to environmental initiatives , public health and waste services .

“ Council has been debt-free since 2002 and will work hard to remain that way as we continue to run our activities on a sustainable long-term footing .

“ I am proud of The Hills Shire Plan that our staff have put together for our community , and I encourage residents to have their say on the plans during the exhibition period .”

Highlights from the plan for the 2024-2025 financial year Vital road upgrades in growth areas

• Annangrove Road upgrade - $ 24.4 million Upgrading the stretch of road between Withers and Windsor Roads to four lanes , including a signalised intersection at the Water Lane and Withers Road . The upgrade will also provide shared pathways and cycleways . This is subject to the receipt of State Government grant funding .

• Withers Road upgrade - $ 20.2 million Upgrade of the road from Smalls Creek to Barry Road and

from Annangrove Road to Mile End Road .

• Boundary Road upgrade - $ 28.5 million Construction of a new bridge and road over Killarney Chain of Ponds Creek ($ 17.6M ) and a signalised intersection at the corner of Brocklebank Street , Commercial Road , and Boundary Road ($ 10.9M ) is subject to the finalisation of a cost-sharing agreement .

More space to play and socialise

Council has pledged to invest $ 1.4 million in constructing new parks and playgrounds and $ 1.9 million in refurbishing existing parks . This budget

Mayor Gangemi pictured at an intersection of Annangrove Road which has secured funding as part of this plan .

includes the Livvi ’ s Place extension development at Bernie Mullane Sports Complex , which will feature new playground equipment and an amenities building . Improved walkability and cycleways Council has allocated $ 7 million for the construction of new footpaths , cycleways , and bridges . This includes a cycleway along Cattai Creek as part of the Cattai Creek Corridor project and a new shared pathway and cycleway along Norwest Boulevard , from Old Windsor Road to Windsor Road .

Additionally , Council will spend $ 300,000 on improving street lighting throughout the Shire .