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LOCAL LIFE
The Hills Shire Council will spend an incredible $ 285 million on infrastructure , services and facilities as part of its bold Hills Shire Plan 2023-2024 , which is now on exhibition .
The Hills Shire Plan is an annual document that integrates Council ’ s operational and financial plans . It highlights Council ’ s priorities and allocates resources to fulfil the community ’ s needs , and works towards achieving a better quality of life for all who live , work , visit and play in The Hills Shire .
As part of the 2023-2024 Plan , Council is proposing to invest $ 50.2 million into building a vibrant community and economy . In addition , Council will spend $ 155.1 million on delivering and maintaining infrastructure , $ 11.2 million on growth-shaping projects and an additional $ 59.4 million on enhancing the local environment .
Council will also contribute $ 9.3 million to improving Council policies , procedures and strategies , including the Community Engagement Strategy .
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Major investment plays a big part in the Hills Shire Plan 2023-2024
Dr Peter Gangemi said that Council is working hard to provide the services , facilities and infrastructure for the growing Hills community - and the Plan plots out how Council aims to achieve this and much more .
“ Providing additional infrastructure for our new release areas and for our growing population , as well as maintaining our road network are key goals within The Hills Shire Plan ,” Mayor Gangemi said .
“ We are investing in more community facilities , services and infrastructure , and we are making important upgrades to ensure everyone has the opportunity to enjoy our region .
“ In particular , Council has set aside $ 37 million to acquire land for sport and recreation and open space embellishments in our new release areas . Another $ 32.9 million will be spent on building new roads and renewing existing ones , and a further $ 17.6 million will be used to maintain existing parks and bushland ,” he added . Other highlights in the Plan include : - $ 18.8 million on Annangrove Road ,
Rouse Hill construction ; - $ 4.9 million on The Water Lane
Reserve , Box Hill playing fields ; - $ 1.3 million on Cockayne Reserve ,
Castle Hill ;
- $ 3.8 million on providing street lighting to create safer environments ;
- $ 1.8 million on footpaths to enhance active lifestyles , such as walking and cycling opportunities ;
- $ 9 million on new park construction ;
- $ 6.2 million to relieve road congestion ;
- $ 1.5 million on various new and renewal of existing parks and gardens ;
- $ 7.4 million dedicated to continuing services such as Meals on Wheels , transport , Social Day Care and mental health services ; and - $ 8.4 million on library services . Mayor Gangemi said the Plan demonstrates Council ’ s strong fiscal management , which residents will benefit from for years to come .
“ Council is rated one of the bestperforming Councils in NSW due to our commitment to prudent budgeting , strict financial discipline and strategic leadership shown by Councillors and the Administration ,” Mayor Gangemi said .
“ Our top priority is to continue our long-term financial sustainability for our residents by managing resources effectively and efficiently and delivering the services our community expects ,” he added .
The Hills Shire Plan will remain on exhibition until 17th May 2023 . Residents are encouraged to have their say before submissions close .
“ If residents wish to see their Council focus on a particular project or area in the next year , I highly encourage them to put in a submission .”
“ It ’ s a great opportunity to see our vision for the future , and to also provide feedback on our plan , services and facilities ,” Mayor Gangemi added .
For more details and to ‘ have your say ’, visit The Hills Shire Council ’ s website , www . thehills . nsw . gov . au , and click on the ‘ Have Your Say ’ tab on the homepage .
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Mayor Gangemi pictured with The Hills Shire Plan . 4 ISSUE 95 // MAY 2023 theindependentmagazine . com . au THE HILLS INDEPENDENT