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.
Mayor of The Hills Shire, 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 best-performing 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.
