Blacktown Council: rate rise to be investigated, 2022/23 draft budget released

A rate hike could be on the cards for Sydney’s largest local government area, with concerns raised about the future economic position of Blacktown Council.

A rate hike could be on the cards for Sydney’s largest local government area, with concerns raised about the future economic position of Blacktown Council.

Off the back of a record $809 million draft budget tabled for the 2022/2023 financial year, deputy mayor Brad Bunting warned it could come with a cost to the region’s 400,000 residents.

“While (the draft budget) underwrites a bright, modern future for our city, we face a reality of profound financial challenges,” he said.

“Living within our means is becoming harder and harder, without cutting the services on which our community depends,” he said.

“Therefore, we will ask staff to investigate and report for council’s consideration, a modest and equitable increase in our rate revenue, to ensure we can sustainably fund our services and the management of our assets into the future.”

Councillor Tony Bleasdale OAM (left) Mayor of Blacktown City, with Councillor Brad Bunting (right) Deputy Mayor.

The draft budget, which is on exhibition for community feedback, is described as helping the community rebound from the pandemic lockdown and transform major centres such as Riverstone, Mt Druitt and Marsden Park.

Mayor Tony Bleasdale said the budget would fund projects which were fundamental to Blacktown residents and businesses.

“It comes after another 12 months of disruption and staring down ever-present challenges, but shows that our commitment to delivering services for our community remains resolute,” he said.

“This budget will support our vital capital works program, including our transformational projects, to deliver now and for the future.”

The draft budget will allocate $284 million for major works, including $115 million for land acquisition and $160 million in the construction and maintenance of roads, footpaths and bridges.

The Blacktown Council-run Kids Early Learning centres will received $26 million in funding for the upcoming financial year, with more than $20 million allocated for council’s community and recreation centres.

If you want to have your say on Blacktown Council’s 2022/23 budget you can here.