Blacktown’s massive maintenance spend
Explore Councils by state
Published on 10 May 2019
Blacktown City Council will spend just under $69 million to make sure the city’s roads, drains, footpaths and bridges are maintained in good condition in the coming year.
“Council has been working hard over the past four years to reduce the massive maintenance backlog left by the previous Liberal-controlled administration,” Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP said.
“In 2014, there was a backlog of $80 million dollars’ worth of maintenance work that should have been completed.
“When I became Mayor, Council promised to reduce the backlog. We set a goal and through hard work by Council staff and efficient practices, the backlog has been reduced to $48.8 million.
“We plan to reduce it further this coming financial year with a $21.4 million funding allocation to asset renewal projects,” Mayor Bali said.
“Maintaining a city as large as Blacktown is a massive job. A well-built and adequately maintained road infrastructure network is critical for any city – especially one that’s experiencing Blacktown’s level of growth and change.
“Our city covers 247 square kilometres; has 48 suburbs with another six on the way and is home to more than 370,000 residents and ratepayers.
“You could walk from Blacktown to far north Queensland on its 1,506 kilometres of footpaths and drive from Sydney to Adelaide on its 1,435 kilometres of roads.
“Open spaces and sports fields make a major contribution to the wellbeing of our community.
“We are spending $33.8 million to maintain our open space facilities and sports fields and $3.1 million has been allocated for new open space in the growing areas of Riverstone and Schofields.
“$20 million will go towards maintaining and improving five aquatic facilities, the Leo Kelly Arts Centre, Blacktown, and other community and recreational facilities.
“Despite the reduction of state government funding over the years, Council has continued to provide high quality libraries for residents, which attract more than 1.5 million visitors and host over 2,000 events each year. Council will spend $10.3 million maintaining five libraries in Blacktown City.”
Major areas of operational spending in the 2019/2020 Blacktown City budget include:
$69.3 million on maintaining roads, footpaths and bridges $48.6 million on waste management services $33.8 million on open space including parks, reserves and sporting fields $27.6 million on building maintenance and renewal $23.9 million on Kids’ Early Learning centres $20.1 million on aquatic, leisure and recreation centres $10.3 million on Blacktown City libraries.