Canterbury-Bankstown Mayor Khal Asfour has joined other councils calling on the NSW Government to abandon its plan to divert local government funds into State revenue.The NSW Government is attempting to take up to half of local government “developer contributions” – the money councils levy developers to help pay for local infrastructure such as playgrounds, sports fields, libraries and parks.“This is a blatant cash grab by the Government that will impact our community,” Mayor Asfour said.“Under this radical plan, they want to rob us of vital infrastructure contributions and then funnel the funds into other areas.“If this plan was approved today, it would cost us something like $72 million dollars over the next 10 years.“These contributions are used to fund vital local infrastructure projects like parks, playgrounds, kerb and gutters, community halls and libraries.“And what is the Government’s response to us, you can raise your rates!”City of Canterbury Bankstown and 22 other councils have published an open letter in in metropolitan newspapers, including the Torch, to raise public awareness of the detrimental impact this levy change will have on their communities.The councils argue developer levies should be spent where they are raised to ensure new development is accompanied by appropriate investment in the surrounding area.If approved, local councils will only be able to levy local development for “essential infrastructure” and will be left with shortfalls in funding for playgrounds, open space, sports and community facilities unless they raise rates.

A Nepali plaque to bring together culture and faith is proposed for Gough Whitlam Reserve, Earlwood.Canterbury-Bankstown is one of the most diverse places on earth, with 60 per cent of our residents s…

Sunbathers, foot dippers and even grand-stand sitters can now feast their eyes on what the new $45 million leisure and aquatic centre at Canterbury could look like.The City of Canterbury Bankstown has…

CBCity’s Spring school holiday program has gone online to keep school children of all ages entertained from the comfort of their own home.There’s a wide range of virtual activities for kids up to 18 y…

A new initiative is providing Canterbury-Bankstown community members with a silver lining during lockdown.Stay Safe, Stay Connected is a new campaign aimed at spreading positivity and inspiration, by …

Volunteers from all walks of life are joining forces to help some of Canterbury-Bankstown’s most vulnerable and needy residents.Mayor Khal Asfour was joined by Councillor Bilal El-Hayek, former Counci…

What do birds, bees and bingo have in common?

The birds, the bees and the bingohttps://www.cbcity.nsw.gov.au/media/news/the-birds-the-bees-and-the-bingoThe birds, the bees and the bingo2021-09-05T14:00:00ZCanterbury-Bankstown unites to help needy…

Young people in Canterbury-Bankstown have the opportunity to help organise and host local events that celebrate culture and community under a new program, Culture and Connection Creators.The online pr…