Liverpool City Council has released a draft budget that plans for a healthy surplus with no staff cuts, improved services, and a massive capital works program.Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun said the Council is setting a clear roadmap for investment, growth and service delivery across one of Australia’s fastest-growing cities.”Our priority is to ease cost-of-living pressures wherever we can,” Mayor Mannoun said.”We recognise that, like households across our community, Council’s budget is under strain. That is why we are managing it with discipline and care, ensuring it remains strong while honouring the commitments we have made to keep the budget in good shape.
“Notwithstanding the challenges, we continue to enhance the services we deliver, doing so responsibly and within our means.””Number one, the budget for a surplus of $1,239,360 million. Given that we are on track to reach our budgeted surplus of $800,000 this financial year, we are on track for two consecutive positive years of operation.”Now that includes no staff cuts and no cuts to events and includes record spending on capital works,” he said.For 2026–2027, Council is delivering an operating budget of $303 million and a capital works program of $244 million, ensuring continued investment in essential infrastructure, community facilities and frontline services.”The capital works program includes major projects such as the $44.3 million Brickmakers Creek revitalisation, the $57.7 million Carnes Hill Aquatic and Recreation Centre, city centre streetscape upgrades and critical flood mitigation works.Mayor Mannoun highlighted the program is strongly supported by external funding, with $188 million in capital grants and contributions helping reduce pressure on ratepayers.Council will also continue to deliver strong service outcomes, with more than one million annual visits to its libraries, leisure centres and cultural venues, alongside high-performing early childhood, waste and maintenance services.Mayor Mannoun said the plans reflect Liverpool’s unique identity and future ambitions.”What makes Liverpool special is the strength and diversity of our people,” he said.”This is not simply a plan, it is a commitment to deliver on what our community expects of us as their local government as we build a stronger, more connected Liverpool, together.”Mayor Mannoun said the proposed measures focus on practical improvements residents will notice day to day.”The inaccurate prediction of 140 job losses was just that: inaccurate,” Mayor Mannoun said.”We know households are under pressure from rising living costs, and Council has a responsibility to keep rates as low as possible while carefully managing spending and continuing to deliver the services residents expect in a growing city.”Initiatives to be considered include:Employee costs of $114,948,671, representing a 7.6 per cent increase from 2025/26 with no staff cuts.Allocating $650,000 from the General Reserve to begin implementing a neighbourhood model (The Neighbourhood Response Network) focused on compliance and local presentation.Providing an additional $675,000 to Parks to support enhanced services such as lawn mowing during peak periods.Increasing household clean‑up services from two to four collections per year, with a maximum two‑week service period, subject to community agreement.Lowering the eligibility threshold for a red bin upgrade from six to five household members.Filling 26 vacancies within the Operations Directorate.
“These are the services that shape how people experience their city,” Mayor Mannoun said.”Whether it’s cleaner streets, better maintained parks, improved waste services or stronger local compliance, Council is focused on delivering the basics well and ensuring Liverpool continues to grow as a clean, safe and liveable city.”Detailed financial and operational modelling is now underway, and Council will continue to keep the community informed as the proposals progress.Residents are invited to view and provide feedback on the draft Operational Plan and Budget from 19 May 2026 to 15 June 2026 at Council’s libraries or online at www.liverpool.nsw.gov.au.