Over the next 12 months the City of Sydney will invest more than $1 billion in infrastructure, services and city-shaping projects for the future of its 242,000 residents.
The 2026/27 budget includes an operational expenditure of $671 million to support local businesses, fund essential infrastructure projects, and ensure the continued maintenance of community facilities, parks, open spaces, roads and waste and recycling services.
More than $265 million will be spent on capital works projects to support the growth and changing needs of the city and local villages, including $170 million on asset renewal.
The budget is part of the City of Sydney’s 10-year plan that forecasts spending $2.3 billion to meet the needs of a growing and evolving community and ensure the city remains vibrant, accessible and sustainable into the future.
Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO said major projects over the next five years include:
- $150 million for the construction of a square at Town Hall
- building the $78 million Mandible Street sports precinct
- the $21.8 million upgrade of Sydney Square
- a further $18 million to complete pedestrianisation along George Street
- a comprehensive $18.9 million renewal of Belmore Park
- commencing the $46.8 million renewal of Wentworth Park, when handed over from State Government
- kicking off the $15 million upgrade of Victoria Park Pool and $15 million major renewal of Cook and Philip Park Pool
- beginning the $15 million upgrade of Alexandria Park.
“With careful planning and prudent investment over a number of years, we’ve built a strong financial position for our city. Now we want to invest those funds to strengthen Sydney’s international reputation as a leading global city – renowned for its lifestyle, economy, tourism, sustainability, open space and cultural life,” the Lord Mayor said
“This budget and our long-term plan are about delivering real, lasting benefits for current and future generations.
“It underlines our commitment to delivering value for the community, ensuring we can meet future demand while maintaining our existing assets and services to a high standard.”
Budget priorities in 2026/2027 include:
Infrastructure and services, including:
- $90 million on resource recovery and public cleansing services including waste collection and street cleaning
- $7 million continuing the George Street pedestrian boulevard between Hunter and Essex streets
- $3.5 million constructing a new cycleway along Ultimo Road, Darling Drive and Campbell Street
- $3.4 million completing the Primrose Avenue Quietway
- $2.6 million creating a safe and direct bike network between Surry Hills and Central Station.
Parks and open spaces, including:
- $54 million on parks, greening, tree maintenance and leisure services
- $4.2 million on improvements to Ward Park in Surry Hills to provide a high-quality, inclusive and accessible open space
- $3.9 million improving lighting across Hyde Park
- $3.8 million renewing Green Park, one of the largest green spaces in the Oxford Street area.
Grants, including:
- more than $23 million on various cash grants for social and community groups such as food support, homelessness support services, affordable housing, artist support and business support
- funding for major events like Sydney Writers’ Festival and Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras
- $11.8 million for value-in-kind support allocated to accommodation grants and rental subsidies, as well as banner hire and venue hire support.
Asset upgrades and maintenance, including:
- $15.5 million stabilising and restoring the Sydney Park brick kilns
- $6.8 million completing and opening the new Huntley Street Recreation Centre
- $4.6 million renewing the Bourke Street footway.
Cultural and creative projects:
- More than $13 million for major City of Sydney events including Sydney New Year’s Eve, Sydney Christmas and Sydney Lunar Festival.
Improving streets and public spaces, including:
- $4.7 million upgrading Victoria Street between Craigend and Burton streets
- $4.4 million revitalising Dixon Street in Haymarket including new paving, decorative lighting and street furniture.
The 2026/27 budget is open for public comment until 15 June. It will then be considered by Council for final adoption. For more information or to comment, visit sydneyyoursay.com.au
Media contact: Elaine Kelly – phone 0477 362 550 or email [email protected]
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