The City of Sydney has awarded a significant five-year beautification contract to Melbourne’s Citywide Service Solutions, marking it as one of the city’s most costly undertakings for the 2024-25 fiscal year.

According to a statement provided to 9news.com.au by a City of Sydney representative, the agreement encompasses the “supply and management of planter boxes and plants, including watering, maintenance, and replacement throughout the program’s duration.”

However, local Greens councillor Matthew Thompson has expressed concerns about the contract’s cost, arguing that the funds could be more effectively allocated to social services.

“Our city is already prohibitively expensive,” Thompson remarked.

“Rather than spending millions on a beautification initiative, we could expand childcare services, support local artists, enhance community support programs, offer free pool access during the summer, and much more.”

“Just this week, community groups approached the council urgently seeking funds to sustain their community kitchens—this is precisely where such financial resources should be directed,” Thompson added.

Thompson said the Greens previously moved to cap the cost of the project at $1 million per year, but that councillors voted against the motion.

“Greening our city is not just about what looks good,” he said.

“It’s about growing resilient ecosystems through planting permanent pollinator-friendly natives and exotics – not temporary planter boxes that we throw away after one season.”