MEDIA RELEASE - Council puts plans in place to continue delivering for Sutherland Shire

A continued commitment to meet the needs of local residents and business operators, with a firm focus on leading the way in tackling the environmental challenges of tomorrow – that’s part of a detailed plan formally adopted by Sutherland Shire Council last night after receiving unanimous support from Councillors.

The Delivery Program 2022-2026 and Operational Plan 2023/24 will see Council continue to deliver essential roads, traffic, footpaths and stormwater infrastructure as well as investing heavily in upgrades to some of the Sutherland Shire’s major sports facilities and community open spaces.

These key planning documents outline an ambitious $76 million program of capital works spending, enabling progress on a significant suite of projects in communities throughout the Sutherland Shire over the next 12 months.

Among the major capital works projects which are set to receive significant funding during the second year of Council’s four year Delivery Program are;

  • $12.4m towards the enhancement of Cronulla Town Centre,
  • $14.8m towards the construction and upkeep of footpaths, roadways and traffic facilities,
  • $10.8m towards sport facility renewal and enhancements, including a series of lighting upgrades to improve safety and enhance usability for local residents,
  • $4.4m to deliver an all-abilities playground at Waratah Park, Sutherland,
  • $2.3m towards the upgrade of Seymour Shaw Park, Miranda; and,
  • $1.9m towards delivering a new Library, Technology and Community Hub at South Village, Kirrawee.

Sutherland Shire Mayor, Councillor Carmelo Pesce, said the Delivery Program 2022-2026 and Operational Plan 2023/24 had been informed by extensive community consultation and were designed to ensure that Council’s plans for the future remained closely aligned with the aspirations of local residents.

“Among the notable changes which have been informed by community feedback and incorporated into these plans are steps to expedite the delivery of Council’s Gymea Bay Reserve and Baths Masterplan and upgrades,” Mayor Pesce said.

“We know that this is a community facility which has been well loved and well used by local residents for generations, and through some committed community advocacy and collaborative work with Council staff, we are very pleased to put more concrete steps in place to see this amazing recreational area is back in use sooner rather than later.”

Consistent community feedback stressing the importance of tackling the pressing environmental challenges being experienced the world over, as well as protecting the Sutherland Shire’s famed natural surrounds, has also played a strong role in shaping Council’s plans for the future.

Outlined in the Delivery Program 2022-2026 is Council’s commitment to delivering a Clean Climate Strategy which will see Council’s operations achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, with a Tree and Urban Bushland Strategy also outlining practical steps Council will undertake to enhance the local environmental and the liveability of communities across the Sutherland Shire.

“These documents demonstrate our commitment to making the Sutherland Shire a great place to live, through delivery of quality services and infrastructure, in a financially sustainable way,” Mayor Pesce said.

“We are confident that through the informed feedback gathered from extensive community consultation, we have delivered a better plan for the future of our community, and one that we are confident strikes a strong balance between delivering good value to ratepayers while continuing to meet the future needs and aspirations of the community.”