The transformation of the Hawkesbury continues, with Council adopting its second largest budget ever – a $243 million investment in major projects and actions to repair, renew and improve our City’s infrastructure, programs and services.
Hot on the heels of our record $245.9 million budget in 2024/2025, this year’s budget will continue the important work of asset renewal, flood recovery and major project development through the Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program. Our three biggest budgets have now all come in the past three years.
These priorities are outlined in detail in Council’s Operational Plan 2026/2027, which was adopted by Councillors at the 16 June Council meeting. The Operational Plan is Council’s action plan for achieving the community priorities outlined in the Community Strategic Plan. It is prepared each year and identifies the projects, programs and activities that Council will fund and deliver across the next 12 months.
Our Operational Plan 2026/2027 was developed through an extensive planning and prioritisation process. It contains 105 key actions for delivery across a wide range of services and work areas, a comprehensive capital works program, including projects funded from the first year of the Special Rate Variation (SRV), and annual budget.
Major Operational Plan highlights for 2026/2027 include budgets of:
- $68.8 million on improving local roads and drainage.
- $48.7 million on upgrading public spaces, parks, sports and recreation facilities.
- $63.8 million on community and culture including local events, our Libraries, Gallery and Museum.
- $31.6 million on waste management, compliance and resource recovery
A significant portion of this year’s budget includes funding provided by State and Federal flood recovery programs and the State Government’s Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants (WSIG) program. These multi-year projects are major city building projects that will have profound benefits to families and residents of all ages for generations to come. Highlights include:
- Richmond Swimming Pool Upgrade – $19.7 million (multi-year project)
- Fernadell Park – $9.7 million (multi-year project)
- Windsor River Users Hub – $9.52 million
- Grose Vale Road road slips – $6.44 million (multi-year project)
- North Richmond Community Precinct Upgrade – $6.1 million (multi-year project)
- Tamplin Field Redevelopment – $6.1 million (multi-year project)
- Hawkesbury Oasis Aquatic and Fitness Centre Improvements – $4.6 million (multi-year project)
- Woodbury Reserve – $4.3 million (multi-year project)
- Cycleway over Rickaby’s Creek – $3.9 million (multi-year project)
- Turnbull Oval Redevelopment – $4.1 million (multi-year project)
- Kurmond – Kurrajong Cycleway – $4.5 million (multi-year project)
- Governor Phillip Park improvements – $1.64 million
- Macquarie Park upgrade stage 2 – $1.25 million
- Wayfinding and Signage Program – $1.2 million (multi-year project)
- Colbee Park new football field – $1.3 million
- Pecks Road sealing, North Richmond (Grose Vale Road to Campbell Street) – $1.05 million
Additionally, Council will raise $2.9 million from the first year of its Special Rates Variation. This will allow Council to spend the following on road and infrastructure improvements:
- March Street, Richmond – Paget to Moray Streets – $750,000
- Crooked Lane, North Richmond – Concrete Bridge to Slopes Road – $640,000
- Coburg Road, Wilberforce – Macquarie Road to Old Sackville Road – $386,140
- Road resealing – program expansion of $500,000
- Road resheeting – program expansion of $100,000
- Minor Road Rehabilitation Program – program expansion of $100,000
- Footpath renewal – program expansion of $80,000
- Rutherglen Reserve, Hobartville, new playspace – $270,000
- Laurence Street Reserve, Hobartville, park improvements – $60,000
These projects only represent a small portion of the committed budget for this coming financial year. For a full list of commitments, please read the Operational Plan 2026/2027 at www.hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au/your-council/corporate-publications
To learn more about the Special Rates Variation, please visit www.hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au/for-residents/rates/special-rate-variation-srv
With significant projects of this nature, we will be working closely with the Hawkesbury community wherever possible to ensure they have their say and to incorporate their feedback into the final designs to ensure new facilities meet the diverse needs of our residents.
We encourage all residents to regularly visit www.yourhawkesbury-yoursay.com.au, follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/hawkesburycitycouncil and sign-up to our fortnightly Hawkesbury Buzz eNewsletter at www.hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au/link/buzz to stay informed about opportunities to have their say.
