A new animal welfare centre, road improvements and new community centres form the centrepiece of Whittlesea council’s draft 2016-17 budget as it looks to spend $43 million on new capital works projects.
The draft budget, which was adopted by councillors last week, proposes raising rates by 2.5 per cent next financial year, in keeping with a state government cap on rate increases.
Mayor Stevan Kozmevski said the introduction of rate capping had been a challenge for the council, but he was confident the council was providing residents with the best possible budget.
Ratepayers have faced average rates rises of 3.5 per cent and 3.95 per cent in the past two years.
“We have so much growth in our municipality and so many worthy projects and a limited funding pool that we have to prioritise,” Cr Kozmevski said. “But we listen to our community and work out what’s important to them.”
The budget includes money for 115 new projects. The council plans to spend $2.8 million to complete an animal welfare precinct in Epping that will provide animal management services for lost pets and impounded livestock.
The centre is a joint project between Whittlesea, Moreland and Darebin councils.
It also proposes to spend $3.8 million to complete the construction and signalisation of the Bridge Inn and Painted Hills roads intersection, as part of a $16.8 million allocation for road and footpath projects.
New community centres will be built in Mernda at Hawkestowe Parade and Ashley Park, while the Barry Road Community Activity Centre in Lalor is set to be refurbished.
Money has also been set aside for the council’s aquatic strategy, with $52,000 allocated to start the design and construction of the redevelopment of the Mill Park Leisure and Service Centre and $30,000 to be spent on the refurbishment of the Whittlesea Swim Centre.
Residents can have their say on the draft budget until Thursday, May 26. Details: www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au
