Message from the General Manager

anticipates this will be ongoing. The community wants to continue using our local parks and being able to shop locally which signals an opportunity for renaissance for our local centres and continued high use of our parks and open space.

Maintaining services is a key focus of Council during 2023/24. We will continue to work to ensure all public parks and open spaces are accessible, well maintained and managed to meet the recreational needs of current and future residents.

Despite resource constraints within Council, a challenging external environment and an increase in service expectations, Council remains committed to its long-term financial sustainability.

I am pleased to present Georges River Council’s Delivery Program 2022-2026 and Operational Plan 2023/2024. This document has been created to support our Community Strategic Plan (CSP) which identifies the community’s main priorities and aspirations over the next ten years.

The Georges River area is one of the most beautiful areas within Greater Sydney. Its unique location presents the community with a wonderful array of opportunities which was reflected in feedback provided during the development of our CSP. The community wants more trees planted and to see more greening of our local areas, including our town centres. Our community appreciates and want more upgraded open space, parks, safe cycling and walkability options. Protection of the Georges River area heritage and history, activating our town centres and providing local jobs was also important to many residents.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, more residents are working from home and Council

The 2023/24 Budget will be the second year Council is forecast to achieve a surplus and difficult prioritisation of valued services, projects and programs will be essential to achieve financial sustainability and compliance with our legislative obligations.

In addition to the funding received from the Commonwealth Financial Assistance Grants (FAG) and the NSW Government Stronger Communities Fund (SCF), Council successfully applied for a number of Federal and State Government grants in 2021/22 to assist with provision of facilities and services to the community. Council received over $11 million in grant funding for operational projects and over $6 million in grant funds were awarded for a variety of capital projects. These grants are critical to sustaining and improving our local infrastructure and community events.

Council remains on track with its financial strategy despite the extensive challenges in recent years from the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters, and coupled with the ongoing economic challenges today, Council still remains in a strong position to deliver the services our community values.

David Tuxford General Manager