Council adopts annual plan and budget with $272 million of investments

Mayor Gangemi pictured at George Thornton Reserve.png

The Hills Shire Plan 2022-2023 has been adopted with one of its biggest ever budgets and capital works programs.

The Plan, which sets out how The Hills Shire Council aims to meet its targets and support a more connected, inclusive and vibrant region was approved during a recent Ordinary Meeting of Council.

Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Peter Gangemi said that over the next 12 months (from 1st July 2022 to 30th June 2023), Council will spend approximately $272 million on a range of services and facilities that contribute to the health and wellbeing of residents.

“This Plan is about delivering for our community and serving the needs of our residents,” Mayor Gangemi said.

“It focuses on Shire-wide investments that will further revitalise our environment and build a more connected, inclusive and resilient region.

“One of the big-ticket items that I’m really proud about is a $16.7 million investment to deliver new playing fields at Stringer Road Reserve in North Kellyville. Another $3.6 million will go towards revitalising the Cattai Creek Corridor and a further $1.9 million will be used to extend fields at the popular George Thornton Reserve in West Pennant Hills.

“Upgrading roads and intersections in the new release areas is also a big focus of this Plan. We’ve allocated $1.8 million for the upcoming signalisation of the Old Pitt Town Road, Terry Road and Fontana Drive intersection in Box Hill, while an additional $1.2 million has been budgeted for the Barry Road bypass and Withers Road intersection in North Kellyville.

“Other highlights include $14.3 million on new and the renewal of existing roads, $2.8 million will be spent on street lighting and an incredible $58.8 million will be used to acquire land for more parks, playgrounds and open space facilities in new release areas.

“Council will also spend $15.1 million on maintaining existing parks and bushland and a further $6 million to alleviate congestion on our local roads.

“I’m very proud of this Plan and the huge investment we’ve committed to enhancing our communities and ensuring The Hills remains a great place to live, do business, work and play,” Mayor Gangemi added.

In addition to this, Council will spend $5 million to support Hills SES and RFS brigades so they can continue their lifesaving work across the region.

Council will also spend $54.1 million on its natural surroundings, ensuring they remain valued, maintained and enhanced, and that resource recovery services, such as waste minimisation, can continue.

For more information or to view the approved Hills Shire Plan, visit The Hills Shire Council, www.thehills.nsw.gov.au and search “The Hills Shire Plan 2022-2023”.

/Public Release. View in full here.