Penrith set to be Fit for the Future

Tuesday, 12 May 2015

According to the latest figures residents can be confident that Council’s financial strategy will ensure continuing delivery of quality services and that it will conform to the State Government’s ‘Fit for the Future’ reform package.

Fit for the Future is the State Government's reform package, where Councils must demonstrate an ability to meet a series of strong financial and sustainability benchmarks by 2019-20.

Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler OAM said our plans continue to ensure we are financially sustainable and confirm that we will continue to demonstrate we are fit for the future.

"This is excellent news," Cr Fowler said. "Providing quality services into the future is challenging for rapidly growing cities such as Penrith.

"However, the figures we have now and our long-term financial strategy show we are on track to meet those challenges in sound financial shape.

"Meeting the benchmarks means we are a Council that is sustainable in that we have capacity to meet our ongoing operational costs, have enough of our own revenue to not have to rely on government handouts and that our assets are maintained faster than they deteriorate.

"Meeting the benchmarks also means that we look after our infrastructure and services by maximising our resources and working strategically to leverage economies of scale. It means that infrastructure is maintained in a timely manner and that debt is not overused to maintain that infrastructure.

"The final benchmark looks at the rate of expenditure per capita. Meeting this benchmark means that Council is making productivity gains and operating efficiently.

"Our newly announced Strategic Alliance with Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains City councils is a perfect example of us working with our neighbours to leverage economies of scale, efficiently use resources and maximise benefits to our residents."

All 152 councils in NSW are required to make a submission to the Office of Local Government by 30 June 2015 to demonstrate how they plan to be Fit for the Future.

For more information on the State Government's Fit for the Future reform package visit www.fitforthefuture.nsw.gov.au.

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Tuesday, 12 May 2015.