Council Budget to deliver multi-faceted success

Thursday, 8 July 2021

From improving local roads and parks to delivering exciting City-shaping projects, Penrith City Council’s plans for the next 12 months address all aspects of community life.

Council adopted its Delivery Program 2017-22 and 2021-22 Operational Plan during the Ordinary Meeting held on Monday 28 June, where a balanced budget of
$345.4 million was presented.

The safety of residents as they move around town has been prioritised in the budget, with $61.2 million set aside for roads, footpaths and buildings.
Of this, $15.36 million will fund Roads Asset Renewal works across the LGA, including $1.3 million in scheduled upgrades to reseal and re-sheet streets in rural areas such as Berkshire Park and Mulgoa.

With roughly 3,500 children currently enrolled in 26 Council-run childcare centres, Council plans to reinvest $31.1 million. This will guarantee spruced-up play spaces and enhanced Children’s Services to serve our community’s youngest citizens for years to come.

Penrith’s parks and recreation areas are also set to receive a boost worth $34.3 million as Council continues to encourage and promote an active lifestyle for all residents.
Topping the list of budget allocations, at around $70 million, is the City’s major projects. This coincides with Penrith entering its most transformational period, during which several visionary projects will start to sprout in the CBD.

Construction is slated to start later this year on the Soper Place revitalisation project that answers the call for more parking in the City. It is expected to add 600 car spaces across five of the building’s nine storeys and a basement level, while also reflecting Council’s Cooling the City Strategy with a striking, sustainable ‘green wall’, setting a new benchmark for concept designs. Four levels will house office space and the building plans show a rooftop garden as well as a mixed-use public space.

Council’s planned City Park is also set to get underway in the 2021-22 timeframe. Concept plans show the 7,000sqm site at the corner of Henry St and Station St, Penrith, will be a vibrant, green space. Designed for the community to enjoy, it will incorporate water features, natural shade, public artwork and flat lawn area, all walking distance from cafes, restaurants and other retailers.
In Emu Plains, the Regatta Park upgrade is scheduled to commence shortly as Council funds $9 million of the collaborative project between all three levels of government.

A 112-metre pavilion incorporating a covered play space and water features are just some of the facilities being delivered in the first stage.
Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown OAM said the 2021-22 Operational Plan highlights Council’s ability to split funding between various priorities and continue to deliver both short- and long-term visions for the City.

“Council is pleased to have adopted the latest budget, which functions as the final puzzle piece of our 2017-22 Delivery Program and tackles all facets of community life,” Cr McKeown OAM said.

“Through our Community Plan, Council worked closely with residents to identify key focus areas and these are reflected as we continue to provide our regular services, including waste collection, while delivering transformational projects and much-needed facilities.

“This responsible and carefully detailed budget has all members of our community in mind as we plan for the future.

“We also show an ongoing commitment to cooling our City, bringing jobs closer to home, and creating a resilient and robust community – which we have proven we can achieve even in the midst of a pandemic.”

Council’s adopted Operational Plan 2021-22 is available to read on our website at https://www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/resources-documents/documents/strategic-planning

Photo caption: Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown OAM and General Manager Warwick Winn at the launch of Regatta Park.

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Thursday, 8 July 2021.