Infrastructure spending is the big ticket item in Liverpool Council’s last budget ahead of the September 4 local government elections.
At its June meeting last week council approved a 2021-22 budget that includes $256 million allocated for new community infrastructure and the renewal of assets such as roads, bridges, footpaths, parks and drainage.
Council will oversee a budget of $475 million in 2021-22 which includes $219 million for operating expenditure.
More than $18 million has been earmarked for pavement reconstruction and resurfacing on over eight kilometres of local and regional roads as well as more than three kilometres of rural roads.
Recreation and open space improvements of over $8 million will see improvements to parks including the progression of Light Horse Park to detailed designs and tender documentation, upgrades to 14 playgrounds and the installation of three new outdoor gyms.
Some of the key project highlights for 2021-2022 include:
Liverpool Civic Place: The demolition phase of the biggest commercial redevelopment is complete, and the excavation phase is nearing completion. This new complex will include a civic plaza, new council offices, a childcare facility, city library and public parking;
Liverpool City Centre Urban Forest Strategy: Council is progressing the first phase, which includes the installation of more than 200 new trees within the Liverpool city centre. This project is co-funded by the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment under the 5 Million Trees for Greater Sydney grant program and will increase the quantity of tree canopy and shade to assist with cooling the city centre;
The Western Sydney City Deal and Resilient Sydney Program: These will present opportunities to collaborate with surrounding councils and deliver coordinated projects that facilitate beneficial outcomes for Liverpool.
