$260 million to address Hills Shire “growing pains”
Written by Elliot Nash on 29 June 2020
The Hills Shire is about to get a huge budgetary boost with $260 million to be spent across a variety of sectors in what Mayor Byrne is calling the establishment of a “well planned and liveable neighbourhood”.
Aimed at addressing “growing pains”, the Hills Shire Plan 2020/2021 will deliver critical funding across a range of areas including public services, infrastructure, and $28.9 million for waste and recycling services.
Mayor Byrne has commended the well-rounded approach, expressing a responsibility “to spend ratepayers money wisely”.
“Just like our household budget, we can’t be everything to everyone and we need to move logically and productively to support our residents and growth. We also need to live within our means,” said Mayor Byrne.
Public resources like library services, child care centres, aged and disability services and SES and bushfire operations will share a piece of $38.3 million, while $155.6 million will be spent on general infrastructure.
Some of the highlights include $2.6 million on Kellyville Park upgrades, $8.3 million on Storm Water Projects across the Shire and $5.4 million on various new and existing parks embellishment and facilities.
It comes following the extra $31 million introduced as part of the NSW Government’s Accelerated Infrastructure Fund (AIF), which will go towards delivering priority projects like the Balmoral Road Reserve project.
Road improvements and more on the cards for Hills Shire Plan 2020/2021
The Hills Shire Council is planning for future growth with the adoption of Council’s Hills Shire Plan for the 2020/2021 financial year.