Breaking Down the New Shire Budget: My Take on Where Our Money is Going

Alright, the new Sutherland Shire Council budget is out, and if you're like me, you probably want to know what it actually means for us living here, beyond the official media release. I've gone through the numbers and the plans to give you my take on it.

The headline figure that jumps out is a $95 million capital works program. It’s a huge number, and Mayor Jack Boyd has called the overall plan "ambitious but responsible." It feels like they're trying to walk that fine line between investing in the future and managing the Shire's growth without losing the character we all love.

For most of us, the biggest day-to-day change will undoubtedly be the rollout of the Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) service. This has been talked about for a while, and it's finally happening. They're backing it with $7 million for the new bins and infrastructure, plus another $2.3 million to plan a new recycling centre. It’s a massive and necessary step for our local waste management. This focus on sustainability also includes another $4 million for stormwater upgrades to help with localised flooding, which is always welcome, along with ongoing funding for bush regeneration and tree planting.

But a community isn't just about bins and potholes. What really stands out to me is the continued investment in the things that make the Shire a great place to live. It's good to see solid funding for cultural hubs like The Pavilion Performing Arts Centre, Hazelhurst, and the brilliant new Kirrawee Library+. There’s also a clear focus on our active lifestyle, with money earmarked for upgrading sporting fields and leisure centres across the region.

Looking ahead, Council is also funding the creation of some really important long-term plans for Housing, Biodiversity, and our local Economy. They're also creating specific 'Place Plans' for Miranda, Sutherland–Kirrawee, and Caringbah, which feels like a smart way to make sure these town centres grow in a way that reflects their unique identity.

So, let's get down to the brass tacks. Here’s what’s slated for each local area:

• In A Ward, they're continuing the upgrades in Cronulla Town Centre and renewing Bundeena and Wally’s Wharves, plus working on the Captain Cook Drive cycleway and the Gunnamatta Pavilion.

• B Ward sees a big investment in Seymour Shaw Park, upgrades for the Gymea Bay Baths, a new park coming to Caringbah Town Centre, and more improvements at Hazelhurst.

• Over in C Ward, Kareela Synthetic Oval is getting an upgrade, a master plan is being drawn up for the Sylvania Waters - Taren Point Recreation Precinct, and new playgrounds are on the way for Como Pleasure Grounds and Meldrum Avenue Reserve.

• D Ward will see work continue on Heathcote Oval, with improvements also slated for Cooper Street Reserve in Engadine and upgrades to both the Sutherland and Engadine Leisure Centres.

• And in E Ward, there’s a new playground coming to Kodala Way Reserve in Bangor, clubhouse upgrades at Blaxland Oval and Tom Evans Field, improvements at the Menai Indoor Sports Centre, and planning for The Ridge Golf Course clubhouse.

So, is it a good budget? My honest opinion is yes, it looks very promising. It's broad, it touches every part of the Shire, and it balances the 'must-haves' with the 'nice-to-haves'. The real test, of course, will be in the execution. It's one thing to see the numbers on a page, but delivering these projects on time and on budget is what really matters. But for now, it feels like a strong, confident step into the future for our community.