Mayor Jefferies shone a light on his council’s financial stability as all councils scramble to prove to the NSW government that they should not merge with other councils.
But, while most councils are putting their case forward direct to the government, Clr Jefferies could not resist putting out a media release.
Clr Jefferies supports the government’s local government reform that will see the probable amalgamation of less-efficient councils.
That is, if the the Hills could just “tidy up its borders” - ie, pick of pieces of neighbouring councils.
“With the bulk of councils across Sydney and NSW sliding deeper into the red, at the Hills we’ve been very careful to ensure we spend our ratepayers’ money wisely,” Mayor Jefferies said.
"Our cautious and conservative financial approach has led to us to having some of the best finances and community facilities of any local government area across NSW. Council's total asset base now stands at $4 billion with total cash and investments in excess of $280 million.”
Clr Jefferies said it was unsustainable for the NSW Local Government sector to be losing up to $1 million a day.
He said that The Hills Shire Council's ratio of one staff member for every 311 residents was the equal lowest in NSW, compared to an average ratio of one staff member for every 226 residents for a similar sized council.
Liverpool Council did not want to put forward its case, a spokeswoman saying the council did not like to compare to others.
Blacktown City Council was “highly regarded for its long term commitment to strategic planning and prudent financial management”, according to a spokeswoman.
“We have the largest, as well as one of the most diverse and changing populations of any local government area in NSW,” the spokeswoman said.
“With the challenges that a growing population presents, we take the provision of delivering high quality services very seriously.”
This year the 2015/16 budget, which will shortly be considered by council, will further expand on council’s record spending on infrastructure renewals to maintain our city’s vital roads, bridges and parks, the spokeswoman said.
“Council is committed to delivering value for our residents. This is highlighted by us having one of the lowest average rates amongst western Sydney councils,” she said.
“Our city is presently undergoing record capital investment in renewal in established areas. Additionally, the provision of new infrastructure in new release areas will see us support over 50,000 dwellings in the next 20 years.”
The spokeswoman said Blacktown dealt with more development applications than any other NSW council.
In Parramatta, the Net Operating Result for 2013/14 was $20.6 million, which includes grants, capital income and one off items.
Penrith Council did not reply to WSBA’s inquiry.
“Meaningful comparisons between councils is difficult due to the often vastly different revenue sources and demands for services and facilities that councils have,” a council spokesman said.
“Unlike neighbouring councils, Parramatta has responsibility for managing and planning for the State’s second largest CBD which, under the NSW Government’s A Plan for Growing
Sydney strategy, has been classified as a “dual CBD” with the same stature and purpose as the Sydney CBD.”
Meanwhile, Holroyd Council is fighting any forced amalgamation with its Hands Off Holroyd campaign,drawing strong support from residents at two-well attended call-to-arms meetings. It was, however, one of the few western Sydney councils that successfully applied for an “infrastructure levy” above the 2.3 per cent rate increase allowed by the government.
