Blacktown Council's Office Costs Skyrocket, Residents Question Transparency

0:00On this March 11th in Sydney, here's what is making headlines. Blacktown City Council's plan to build two new administrative offices has seen costs explode from $144 million three years. A go to $605 million today. The council sold a big chunk of public land in Blacktown Central Business District, including its current offices, to developer Walker Corporation for $42 million last year. Now they're renting those same offices back for up to 10 years at over $2 million a year, totaling more than $25 million. Counselors are scratching their heads over the massive jump, with one who quit the labor party calling it incomprehensible. Residents and officials worry about transparency, especially since rate increases will help cover the bill. Council spokespeople explained the early estimate was for a simpler concept without full-side details. The new figure includes interest, contingencies, and two buildings, one in Blacktown and one

1:00in Rudy Hill, designed as open civic hubs with community, spaces. Funding will mix rate hikes, asset sales, rents from investments, reserves, and loans. Meanwhile, Walker plans a major plaza with offices, a hospital, and research facilities on the site, and they've stayed quiet on the deal. This story is made possible by our sponsor, see the episode description. Do not just listen to podcasts, get lost in them comfortably, S-O-L-I-SollyPillow.com.