More Parking Fines, Oval Naming Rights: What North Sydney’s budget crisis means for you.

By ANNA USHER

Council has unveiled a revised four-year plan to slash costs and repair its financial woes in an amended Draft Delivery Program and Operational Plan (2025-2029), now up for community consultation.

The 120-page document shows North Sydney residents can expect more parking tickets, no more verge maintenance or graffiti removal – and – reduced community transport, after an audacious plan to increase rates by 87% was rejected.

In total, Council will reduce its operational budget by $24.35 million over four years:

• Year 1: $2.27 million
• Year 2: $7.26 million
• Year 3: $7.62 million
• Year 4: $7.20 million

“This new financial modelling will support the development of a clear and long-term strategy to improve Council’s financial strength and resilience,” the document says.

“The goal is to position Council to respond effectively to future economic shocks and strategic opportunities – without resorting to large ad hoc rate increases or reactive service reductions.”

Here’s where fat could be cut from the budget

• Community Transport. Council currently contributes $275,000 per year to community transport, including the provision of three buses. Consideration is being given to a reduction in services.
• Financial Assistance + Community Centre Contributions. Council provides more than $1.3 million in financial assistance through 40 different subsidies and grant programs. Included within this amount is $793,000/year to support community centres. It is proposed that funding for 2025–26 be subject to ongoing financial viability and critical need assessments.
• Customer Service Levels. Council’s customer service hours (9am–5pm) and performance targets (calls answered within 60 seconds), as well as the library’s extended opening hours, will be reviewed with a view to potential reductions. Customer and Communications functions currently cost $4.5 million/annum, with the library service approximately $4.7 million/year.
• Graffiti Removal (Non-Council Property). Currently, Council removes graffiti from both public and private properties within the LGA, at a cost of around $150,000/year. Discontinuation of this service is under consideration.
• Verge Mowing Services. Council currently provides verge mowing services in the LGA at a cost of around $700,000-$800,000/year. The removal of this service will now be debated.
• Parks and Gardens Maintenance. Parks and Gardens maintenance and operations cost approx. $10 million/year (excluding corporate overheads). Mowing frequencies on these areas may be reduced to generate savings.
• Precinct Support Services. A review will be conducted into the level of staffing and resources allocated to Precinct support activities.
• Street Sweeping Services. Street sweeping services cost approximately $3 million/year (excluding corporate overheads). Council will assess potential reductions to street sweeping frequency.

Income Generation and Revenue Opportunities

Council is currently forecast to generate $48 million from user charges, fees, and other revenue, representing 30% of its total operating revenue.

To address its financial challenges, Council is exploring several options to increase revenue through both existing and new income streams.

1. More Parking Tickets. Presently, parking infringements generate approx. $8-9 million each year. To support Council’s financial recovery, a more proactive enforcement approach is now being considered to increase infringement revenue.
2. Ticketed entry to New Year’s Eve events. Council’s New Year’s Eve celebrations attract around 30,000 attendees each year. Council is now considering the introduction of ticketed access to managed vantage points.
3. Public open space fees. Council will explore the introduction or increase of fees for commercial and private use of public spaces, including personal trainers, school activities, weddings and private functions in North Sydney LGA parks.
4. Advertising revenue. Council has traditionally maintained public spaces with minimal commercial advertising, reflecting community preferences. Council will now investigate additional opportunities to responsibly increase advertising revenue through public spaces, Council-owned infrastructure and facilities.
5. North Sydney Oval + Pool Naming Rights. Council will identify opportunities for sponsorship and naming rights arrangements at key facilities, North Sydney Oval and North Sydney Olympic Pool.
6. Closing and Selling Local Roads. Council is currently assessing the potential closure and sale of specific road segments. Any funds generated will be allocated strictly to road projects, in accordance with legislative requirements.