Camden’s massive $336 million budget

Camden Council has unveiled a massive $336 million budget for 2020-21 in which spending focuses on community infrastructure and Covid-19 support programs for residents and business.

It includes a $178 million capital works program and a budget surplus of almost $2 million reinvested into the community of the fastest growing local government area in the country.

Mayor of Camden, Cr Theresa Fedeli, said she was proud council could produce an exciting budget while going through the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Council has over many years demonstrated strong financial management, which has allowed it to support its community with a $16.8 million Covid-19 support package while continuing to maintain our service levels and projects across the area,” Cr Fedeli said.

“This budget shows council’s focus on expanding and developing our newest suburbs while also enhancing established areas.”

The budget papers indicate that in the next two years more than $51 million will be spent on community infrastructure projects.

These include:

• Herbert Rivulet Drainage Land Purchase – $4.2 million;
• Council Works Depot Redevelopment Stage One and Two – $4.8 million;
• Nott Oval Synthetic Football Pitch – $2.8 million;
• Ferguson Land – Bridge Construction and Cricket Facility – $8.35 million;
• Narellan Sports Hub Stage Two – $17.3 million;
• Design Leppington to Byron Roads (Ingleburn to Bringelly) – $7.6 million; and
• Design Ingleburn Road, Leppington (Rickard Road to Eastwood Road) – $6.7 million.

As part of council’s Covid-19 support package, residents and local businesses will receive support in three stages over six months.

Stage one and two, which is currently under way, includes rate relief for all rateable properties, with $4 million committed.

 Also a $350,000 commitment to freeze increases to domestic waste charges and $350,000 set aside for business grants.

Stage three will be tailored in coming weeks.