Council has unanimously endorsed the City’s draft 2024/25 budget and approved it for public exhibition and feedback, after which it will be considered by Council for final adoption. For more information or to comment, visit sydneyyoursay.com.au.
During the 90s, the City was on the brink of bankruptcy. Since I have been elected, we have delivered budget surpluses every year, all of which have received unqualified audits.
These surpluses fund our $2 billion ten year capital works program, and our strong financial position allows us to provide quality services whilst keeping our rates among the lowest in metropolitan Sydney – including free rates for pensioners.
The City of Sydney’s new budget directs $597 million in operational expenditure, grants and services and $236.5 million will be spent on more than 400 capital works including:
$42.7 million on public domain improvements including Crown Street upgrade, George Street north pedestrianisation and Dixon Street, Chinatown.
$24.9 million on our bike network including Castlereagh Street north, Oxford Street west and Liverpool Street cycleway.
$17.1 million to improve our community spaces, including the Sydney Park brick kilns, Green Square Public School community spaces and the Huntley Street Recreation Centre.
$12.4 million on open space and parks, with significant works on Gunyama Park and the Perry Park sports field.
We are investing $5 million on footway renewals and $3.5 million planting street trees.
$2.7 million on public art projects including Yananurala, our new Harbour walk, and more at Green Square.
More than $28.7 million in grants and sponsorship including food support, affordable and diverse housing grants and the new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander collaboration fund.
A $38 million cultural and creative budget has been allocated for projects over the next 12 months including Christmas, Sydney Lunar Festival and New Year’s Eve and the Sydney Streets program.
We will also continue our support for businesses by waiving all outdoor dining fees until 30 June 2025.
Venue fees to hire community spaces will continue to be waived for eligible groups and individuals, and new discounted fees will be introduced for artistic rehearsal.
The long-term financial plan maps out the City of Sydney’s provision of high-quality services alongside capital works investment, including revitalised parks and streetscapes, public domain improvements and state-of-the-art community facilities.
