A bold $2.7 billion investment over the next decade will increase public open space, revitalise infrastructure and build new community facilities, setting a clear course for a more sustainable, inclusive and vibrant city.
Highlights from the City of Sydney’s budget include the development of Town Hall Square, waiving fees for outdoor dining and community groups booking venues, and boosting cleansing services.
Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO said the City of Sydney was pulling all levers to meet the needs of its communities and improve the lives of the 1.25 million people who live, work and visit the city every day.
“Everything we do reflects our commitment to a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient city,” the Lord Mayor said.
Investing in our spaces, venues and services
In the next financial year alone, we’ll spend more than $631 million to operate and maintain venues, parks and public spaces, as well as numerous programs and services:
- $86 million on cleansing and resource recovery including waste collection, street cleansing and removing illegally dumped goods
- $68 million on maintaining infrastructure including footpaths, roads, parks, removing graffiti and managing more than 50,000 trees
- waiving outdoor dining fees, supporting local businesses, maintaining community facilities, increasing open spaces across the city and accelerating plans to reduce carbon emissions.
A capital works budget of more than $276 million will be allocated to more than 400 projects over the next year:
- $12.7 million on upgrading the lighting and power in Hyde Park to keep the area safe and accessible for locals and visitors
- $11.4 million on adding 6,300 square metres of extra space to Gunyama Park that will involve a new skate park, First Nations learning circle, new playground, seating and picnic tables
- $10.4 million on repairing and landscaping the Sydney Park brick kilns to retain the site’s industrial character and create a special place in the landscape for everyone to enjoy
- $10.4 million on building the new Huntley Street public recreation and sports centre in Alexandria
- $9.2 million on completing the pedestrianisation of George Street north, creating fully a pedestrianised George Street from Circular Quay to Central station
- $8.5 million on improving Crown Street to help increase passing trade for local businesses and make it easier for people to walk and ride
- $5.8 million on advancing the Dixon Street renewal project
- $5.2 million on enhancing the Primrose Avenue Quietway cycleway in Rosebery
- $5.1 million on developing Green Square Public School and community spaces.
Support for arts, culture and community
A cultural and creative budget of more than $38 million will be allocated for major events including Sydney Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Sydney Lunar Festival and the Sydney Streets festival series.
More than $29 million will be invested in grants and in-kind support including:
- $13 million on creative and food support grants, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander collaboration fund, supporting homelessness services and more
- $10.9 million on community accommodation grants and value-in-kind support such as venue hire and banner pole hire
- $5.1 million on the sponsorship of festivals and events like Sydney Festival and Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
Developing a new civic plaza opposite Sydney Town Hall
Long term, we’re investing in major multi-million dollar projects:
- $185 million on upgrading Sydney Square and building Town Hall Square
- $78 million on constructing new multipurpose sports fields and centre at Mandible Street, Alexandria
- $73.5 million on redeveloping the Bay Street cleansing, waste and civil maintenance depot
- $38 million on building the Green Square to Ashmore connector (Ngamuru Avenue) to provide better access for people walking, riding bikes and using public transport
- $25 million on restoring Paddington Town Hall
- $13.4 million on renewing Waterloo Oval and Park.
“Despite the pandemic and recovery challenges over the last 5 years, the City of Sydney has maintained a healthy financial position,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Through careful, strategic financial planning, we are confident of completing major works such as Town Hall Square while maintaining high service levels, continuing to invest in community facilities and our comprehensive grants program, and, importantly, ensuring rates are kept low now and into the future,” the Lord Mayor said.
The City of Sydney’s draft 2025/2026 budget and long-term financial plan were endorsed by Council on 12 May and approved for public feedback for 28 days until 5pm on 9 June.
Following public comment, the budget will be considered by Council for final adoption on 23 June.
Have your say on the City of Sydney’s budget.
Published 19 May 2025
