City of Parramatta Council invites the community to provide feedback on its draft Delivery Program 2018-2022 and Operational Plan 2021/22 as the City recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The roadmap, known as Year Four of the Delivery Program 2018-2022, outlines how Council will implement its core services, activities, programs and projects in the next financial year. It also details proposed budgets, fees and charges to support the delivery of these activities.
“Not only is Sydney’s Central River City undergoing a major transformation but it is also rebuilding amid the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Bob Dwyer said.
“Council’s proposed Delivery Program will help us meet the needs of our growing and changing community.”
Council has budgeted $311.7 million towards capital expenditures next financial year to deliver major strategic projects for the community, including the Parramatta Square development, new Parramatta Aquatic and Leisure Centre, Epping Aquatic Centre redevelopment, Phillip Street Smart Street Stage 2, Parramatta Urban Amenity Improvement Program, and City River Works Program.
In 2021/22, Council is budgeting for an operating deficit of $15.8 million due to a combination of compulsory acquisition of car parks, the ongoing impact of COVID on rates and car park revenue, and increases in depreciation on stormwater assets that were revalued in the previous financial year.
Council will undertake a strategic review to ensure its net operating result returns to a surplus over the medium to long term.
“All Australians have been dealing with the impacts of the global health crisis for more than a year, including the Parramatta community. Council quickly responded with a number of support measures, including a comprehensive $3 million relief and recovery package,” Cr Dwyer said.
“In the year ahead, our focus remains on continuing to carefully manage and improve our financial position while ensuring the community has ongoing access to vital infrastructure and services.”
In 2018, Council developed and adopted a Delivery Program for the three years to 2021, outlining plans and projects to achieve the objectives of the Community Strategic Plan 2018-2038.
As Council elections were delayed last year due to COVID, the original Delivery Program was extended to a fourth year. A new three-year program will be developed after Council elections in late 2021.
Submissions must be received by 5pm on Tuesday 25 May 2021.
