Blacktown City Council has unveiled its draft 2026/27 Operational Plan and Budget, outlining a record $1.011 billion investment in essential services, infrastructure and community facilities for one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions.

The draft budget is the first in Council’s history to exceed the $1 billion mark, highlighting the scale of growth and demand across the city. The documents are currently on public exhibition until 9 June 2026, giving residents, businesses and community groups the opportunity to provide feedback.

Over the past decade, Blacktown City’s population has grown from around 340,000 to more than 460,000 residents, with approximately 120,000 people added during that period. Council says the increase in spending reflects the need to deliver infrastructure, maintenance and services to support the rapidly expanding community.

Mayor of Blacktown City, Brad Bunting, described the draft budget as a major milestone for the city.

“This is a milestone budget for Blacktown City,” Mayor Bunting said.

“Blacktown City is growing quickly. That growth brings opportunity, but it also brings responsibility.”

He said the budget focused on maintaining the services residents already rely on while continuing to plan for the future.

“Our job is to keep doing the everyday work people rely on, while planning properly for the future,” he said.

The draft budget includes more than $292 million for major capital works projects across Blacktown City.

Significant investment is planned for libraries, community hubs, sporting facilities, aquatic centres and cultural infrastructure, marking one of the largest periods of community investment in the city’s history.

Across Mount Druitt, Council is progressing major upgrades including the redevelopment of the Mount Druitt Swimming Centre, expansion of the Mount Druitt Library and Community Hub, improvements to PCYC Mount Druitt at Shalvey, and new cultural infrastructure designed to support learning and community participation.

At Seven Hills, a new Community Hub will deliver a permanent library, study areas, meeting rooms and community spaces in the heart of the town centre.

Council is also continuing investment in sporting and recreation facilities across the city, including upgrades at Ken Birdsey Park in Schofields, the completed expansion of Kevin Betts Stadium, the new Blacktown Disability Sports Centre and improvements to playing fields and courts at Whalan Reserve, Rosenthal Park in Doonside and International Peace Park in Blacktown.

Cultural projects remain a key focus, with the new Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre and First Nations Cultural Grounds expected to support local artists, creative industries and community participation.

Mayor Bunting said the projects were about more than bricks and mortar.

“They are long-term investments in our community. They are places where people will learn, connect, play sport, celebrate culture, access services and spend time together,” he said.

The budget also funds a wide range of everyday services residents depend on.

This includes $95 million for waste collection and waste management services, including the recently introduced city-wide FOGO program.

A further $61 million has been allocated to parks and open space management, covering maintenance of parks, playgrounds, sporting fields and reserves across the city. Council currently manages 791 parks and open space sites.

Kids’ Early Learning services will receive $33 million to support early childhood education and care for local families, while $27 million will go towards aquatic, leisure, arts and recreation facilities.

Council libraries will receive $12 million in funding, supporting services across five library branches, the temporary Marsden Park library and the Mobile Library Service.

Transport infrastructure is another major focus, with $119 million allocated for roads, footpaths, bridges and cycleways to help residents move safely around the city.

Additional funding includes:

• $8 million for street lighting
• $9 million for street cleaning
• $27 million for planning services.

Mayor Bunting said Council’s budget must support both major projects and the day-to-day services residents expect.

“This is the work people see every day, from bins being collected and parks being maintained, to roads being repaired, libraries opening and children learning in our early learning centres,” he said.

The draft budget also includes income and expenditure associated with Council’s proposed Special Rate Variation, which remains subject to approval by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal.

Mayor Bunting acknowledged the difficult financial environment facing councils, including population growth, rising costs and increasing pressure on local services.

“Council is managing population growth, rising costs and increasing demand for services,” he said.

“But this draft budget is not only about responding to pressure. It is about continuing delivery, maintaining essential services and planning carefully for what comes next.”

Residents can review the draft documents and provide feedback until 9 June 2026 via Blacktown City Council’s official website or at Council libraries.

PHOTO: Aerial Blacktown City Council area.