Liverpool ratepayers are driving on deteriorating roads while Liverpool City Council diverts valuable ratepayers funds from essential infrastructure maintenance, a damning new Council report reveals.
The detailed report, tabled for next week’s Council meeting, exposes that 42 kilometres of Liverpool’s roads – spanning 305 different road segments – are currently rated as “Very Poor Condition.” Council’s own assessment admits they need an astronomical $52.5 million just to bring existing roads up to a satisfactory standard.
Even more concerning, Council’s spending on road renewal and maintenance has plummeted by a staggering 37% despite significant population growth- from $11.1 million in 2022/23 to a mere $7 million in 2023/24. This dramatic cut in road maintenance comes at a time when Liverpool’s roads are demonstrably getting worse.
“Liverpool has one of the lowest road condition ratings compared to other Sydney councils,” the report states, noting that road conditions have been in “consistent decline since 2016.”
Meanwhile, Council continues to pour hundreds of thousands of ratepayers money into festivals and events. The Most Blessed Nights Festival, currently running in Macquarie Mall Thursday through Sunday for the past four weeks, has cost ratepayers over half a million dollars – money that could have filled thousands of potholes or resurfaced multiple deteriorating road segments.
“We’re seeing basic infrastructure literally crumbling while hundreds of thousands of dollars are being spent on temporary entertainment.”
The report also reveals that many areas over the 991 kilometres across the LGA require urgent attention.. However, with current funding levels that it would take years to address the backlog of repairs needed.
Comparison data in the report shows Liverpool is falling well behind neighbouring councils in road maintenance standards, raising serious questions about Council’s management of ratepayer funds and infrastructure priorities.
A local resident who has lived in the area for the last 15 years has been quoted as saying “I pay my rates every year, but the roads just keep getting worse lately. It’s never been this bad before. How can Council justify spending hundreds of thousands on festivals when we can barely drive down our streets?”
The revelations come as Council faces increased scrutiny over its financial management and spending priorities.
All residents and ratepayers of Liverpool are welcome to attend the monthly Council meeting to express their views and concerns. The council meeting is to be held Wednesday the 26th of March at Liverpool Civic Tower 50 Scott Street Liverpool commencing at 6PM.
All residents are encouraged to report potholes and damaged roads to Liverpool Council via email: lcc@liverpool.nsw.gov.au
