Councils are the third tier of our important democracy in this country. They serve our communities every day and are the conduit for community activities. They provide and maintain sporting grounds, playgrounds and green spaces, and they deliver initiatives to build community cohesion and build capacity. They should also be focused on fixing roads, collecting rubbish and using the rates, grants and other income they collect to do this with integrity, governance and equity. Leadership is essential. Delivery is essential.

As a former councillor, I had hoped that, after the council elections in September 2024 and the confirmation of a substantive CEO earlier this year, Liverpool council would start to be that council, a council that would start providing the community with what it had been craving: delivery and leadership. Unfortunately, I have been further disappointed, and, given that the number of inquiries about Liverpool council my office deals with is actually double the number of any other type of inquiry my office gets, it seems the residents of Werriwa agree.

This council built a completely inappropriate 'diamond-about' instead of providing traffic solutions that were fit for purpose. The ratepayers of Liverpool deserve delivery the first time, without projects having to be removed and redone. In June this year, the council constructed several 'roundabouts' on Fifteenth Avenue. That description suggests they should be round, or at least oval, to assist with the flow of traffic. Instead of this, they actually hindered the flow of traffic because trucks and buses need to do three-point turns around them, slowing traffic and causing hazards. The roundabouts lasted 48 hours before they were removed, causing further damage to the roads. Thankfully, I didn't hear of any serious injuries caused by accidents at these spots, but I fear that's far more because of the skill and patience of Liverpool drivers than anything else.

I am grateful that the $1 billion announcement made by the Albanese and Minns government in January this year for the upgrade of Fifteenth Avenue, where these roundabouts were located, will be delivered by the New South Wales government. My colleague the member for Leppington and I have spoken to Minister Aitchison, the New South Wales Minister for Roads, on numerous occasions about the commitment. I am pleased to say that early works on the safety upgrades to the road commenced in August, and they will provide a third lane added to Cowpasture Road between Fifteenth Avenue and the M7, reducing weaving and congestion. There will also be improvements to pedestrian safety, speed limits and line markings.

In October 2022, confirmation was provided to Liverpool council for $6 million as an election commitment to extend Middleton Drive, giving options for the residents of Middleton Grange. Three years later, the road is still being planned, and they hope that construction will be completed sometime in 2026. Also, in MYEFO last year, Liverpool council were provided with extra funds for the upgrade of Kurrajong and Beech Roads at the intersection with Lyn Parade. The commitment from the federal government is $6.9 million and fully funds this upgrade, improving safety for traffic and pedestrians and easing congestion. The community needs this project to be delivered as soon as possible, along with the signalisation of the intersection of Mowbray Street and Kurrajong Road.

Last year, the council received $15 million of grant funding to develop a new park in Austral. Unfortunately, planning and preparation work on this project did not get underway until April this year, and construction is unlikely to start until early next year. I've again written to the CEO to advocate for this to be provided as soon as possible. The suburb of Austral has seen so much change over recent years and, as in many new housing estates, the provision of footpaths, parks and other amenities is sadly lacking.

Liverpool council also received more than $2 million from the New South Wales and federal governments to redevelop Pye Hill Reserve at Cecil Hills, but, because of the discovery of asbestos in the construction of the park, it's yet to be officially opened and is not available for use—another disappointment for the people of Liverpool. I am seeking further updates from Liverpool council and the CEO, and I'll continue to fight for the constituents in the electorate of Werriwa to ensure that the grants and money that have been provided to it are used by council as efficiently and quickly as possible.

Link to Hansard: Full Speech