$260M BUDGET APPROVED
The Hills Shire Plan has been approved by Hills Shire Council which means it will spend in the region of $260 million, including Capital Works, during the next financial year.
One of the big-ticket items to be approved is $77.6 million for acquiring open space land and playing fields in the Rouse Hill, Balmoral, North Kellyville and Box Hill release areas.
The list includes:
•• $2.6 million on Kellyville Park upgrades;
•• $8.3 million on Storm Water Projects across the Shire;
•• $13.2 million on maintaining existing parks and bushland;
•• $3 million for Samantha Riley Reserve;
•• $1.7 million for Stringer Road Reserve;
•• $5.4 million on various new and existing parks embellishment and facilities;
•• $3.4 million to relieve congestion on traffic facilities; and
•• $566,000 $565,900 on Rural Fire Stations various building works.
Hills Shire Mayor Michelle Byrne said:
“Under this Plan, $38.3 million will be invested into building a vibrant and prosperous economy through our library services, child care centres, aged and disability services and SES and bushfire operations, as well as other forms of community assistance. Another $155.6 million will be spent to ensure our community infrastructure meets the needs of our growing shire and is safe and well-maintained.
“Council has also set aside $28.9 million for our waste and recycling services to assist in maintaining and enhancing our natural surroundings.”
She said it was important to use “ratepeyers’ money “wisely”.
*The NSW Government has also given Hills Shire Council a $31 million funding injection to help support the delivery of vital community infrastructure.
Money from the Accelerated Infrastructure Fund (AIF) will be used towards the construction of Balmoral Road Reserve, as well as on the upgrade of Hezlett Road to four lanes and to provide traffic signals at the intersection of Hezlett Road and Samantha Riley Drive.
