At a Glance
• Record attendance at New Year’s Eve and Australia Day celebrations
• 145 million dollars secured for city shaping projects plus major road repair funding
• Significant 2022 delivery across development, infrastructure and community services
• Continued advocacy for the Community and Justice Precinct

A Confident Beginning to the Year

I would like to begin by welcoming everyone back for what I believe will be an exciting and productive 2023.

The summer period was busy, yet thankfully far calmer than recent years. With favourable weather and strong community spirit, we hosted highly successful New Year’s Eve and Australia Day celebrations at Koshigaya Park. Approximately 18,000 people attended New Year’s Eve and around 5,000 joined us for Australia Day. These record crowds speak to a community eager to gather and celebrate together.

On Australia Day, I had the privilege of presenting citizenship certificates to 85 new Australians and announcing our Australia Day Award recipients. Their stories of contribution and service remind us that civic strength is built person by person.

A Transformational Investment

This week we received confirmation of 145 million dollars in state funding for city shaping projects. In reflecting on the history of public investment in our region, it is difficult to recall a single commitment of this scale.

This investment builds upon the 26.6 million dollars allocated last year across 11 projects in 21 locations throughout our LGA. It also comes alongside 8.6 million dollars under the Regional and Local Roads Repair Program to address weather related damage.

I acknowledge the diligence of our Council officers who prepared these applications and the partnerships that strengthened them. Such outcomes do not occur by chance. They are the product of sustained advocacy, preparation and credibility.

These funds will support catalytic projects including the expansion of the Campbelltown Arts Centre and other essential community infrastructure that will shape our social and economic future. I will address the full detail separately, but it was important to acknowledge the scale of this moment.

Reflecting on 2022 Delivery

Last year was defined not only by advocacy but by delivery.

In the planning space, the Ingleburn CBD Planning Proposal received a favourable Gateway Determination and moved to exhibition. We launched the Campbelltown CBD LEP review. We determined 361 development applications, approving 290 of them, and issued 1,421 occupation certificates for new dwellings.

Major approvals included the 500 million dollar Macarthur Gardens North development near Macarthur Station and the 50 million dollar Genesis Care Cancer Therapy Centre on Hurley Street. These projects reflect private sector confidence in our strategic direction.

We funded 37 businesses to revitalise shopfronts and removed 2,496 instances of graffiti. Across our facilities we welcomed more than one million visitors. Our libraries recorded 244,000 visits and the Arts Centre more than 57,000. Childcare services supported 1,200 children and our swim schools delivered over 44,000 lessons.

In infrastructure, we replaced 2,680 metres of footpath across more than 600 locations and 2,580 metres of kerb and gutter at 480 sites. We repaired 6,561 potholes and completed 7 kilometres of road renewal, including works on Airds Road and Leumeah Road.

We invested 1.8 million dollars in plant and equipment to improve operational efficiency. Our teams maintained 63.6 million square metres of turf and managed millions of square metres of gardens.

In waste services, we collected more than three million general waste bins and diverted over 29,000 tonnes of material from landfill, supported by our Community Recycling Facility.

Recreation projects included the opening of the Ingleburn Mountain Bike Trail and upgrades to Memorial Park and Bradbury Oval. These investments enhance liveability at the neighbourhood level.

Advocacy that Continues

While we are grateful for the funding secured, our advocacy must continue, particularly for the Community and Justice Precinct.

The data is compelling. In 2020 to 2021, Sydney’s West recorded the lowest trial finalisation rate in NSW, with only 39 per cent of trials reaching verdict within 12 months. Campbelltown’s court facilities must expand significantly to meet existing demand, let alone future growth.

Council has committed 2.4 million dollars to master planning and consultation and worked collaboratively with government on a strategic business case. The precinct represents not only justice capacity but economic development. Legal professionals, support services and associated businesses create a high value employment ecosystem that strengthens the city centre.

I again call on all contenders for government to commit to funding the redevelopment that will underpin this precinct.

Deepening Community Engagement

In reflecting on our direction, I remain committed to authentic community engagement supported by evidence. Building on the Campbelltown 2022 report, we are commencing a structured engagement program to inform the next phase of our city’s evolution.

On 14 March 2023 we will convene a forum of community leaders and forward thinkers to share ideas about Campbelltown’s future. Broader community forums will follow.

Reflection

As I consider the momentum we have built, I am reminded that cities progress through the alignment of vision, advocacy and delivery. Record community participation, significant state investment and measurable operational outcomes provide confidence as we enter 2023.

The work ahead remains substantial. Yet with disciplined planning, institutional capability and sustained advocacy, Campbelltown is well positioned to advance as a centre of opportunity and culture for the Macarthur region.

Read the original Mayoral Minute here: 1.  Wins and Plans