Parramatta Council has put forward a $560 million plan for the 2025/26 financial year, aiming to fund a mix of capital works and services that reflect the city’s ambitions as it grows into a globally recognised hub. The draft budget and strategic planning documents were endorsed at this week’s Council meeting and are now open for public comment until 11 June.
Among the headline items is a $199.8 million capital works program, including upgrades to parks, reserves and town centres in Epping and Granville, alongside Parramatta’s Civic Link—a central pedestrian corridor that will connect key parts of the CBD. Funds have also been earmarked for cycleway improvements, with a continued emphasis on sustainability and transport infrastructure.
Lord Mayor Cr Martin Zaiter said the proposals were shaped through months of engagement with residents via workshops and forums, and reflect the city’s evolving priorities.
“We’ve taken on board the views of our community to guide this draft plan. There’s a clear desire to see community spaces revitalised, cycling made safer and more accessible, and core services delivered well,” Cr Zaiter said.
He noted that Parramatta’s rapid development brings both opportunity and responsibility. “This investment will help us manage growth in a way that puts people first.”
Nearly half of the capital works funding—42 per cent—will come from external grants and contributions, with the rest covered through rates and Council reserves. A 6.2 per cent increase in residential and business rates, set by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART), has already been factored into the budget.
Council is projecting a small net operating surplus of $600,000 for the year (excluding capital grants and asset revaluations), a figure that reflects a careful balancing act between ambition and fiscal discipline.
Some of the other major initiatives include:
- New and upgraded parks, roads, cycleways and footpaths across the local area
- Redevelopment of the Riverside Theatres
- Expanded waste and recycling services, including a new domestic FOGO program
- A Tree Canopy strategy and a broader nature-focused plan
- More funding for cultural events and community festivals
- System upgrades to improve customer service delivery
Council is also continuing its additional $100 rebate for eligible pensioners, on top of the $250 mandatory rebate provided by the NSW Government.
Residents, businesses, and local organisations are being encouraged to provide feedback on the draft Delivery Program 2025–2029 and Operational Plan & Budget 2025/26 through a series of community pop-ups throughout May and early June. These events will be held in Newington, Ermington, Parramatta Square, North Rocks, Toongabbie and Epping.
The plans on exhibition include the long-term Community Strategic Plan to 2050, which sets out a 25-year vision for the local government area, as well as the four-year Delivery Program and the annual Operational Plan with its accompanying budget.
All public submissions will be considered before the final documents are presented to Council in late June.
Further information and online submission options are available here.
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🏙️#Parramatta Council proposes $560M budget for 2025/26, featuring $199.8M capital works. 🌳 Funds for parks, cycleways & Civic Link CBD upgrade. 📢 Public feedback open until 11 June. 💰 Includes 6.2% rate rise & pensioner rebates. #TheIndianSun
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