Preparing the City of Whittlesea for future population growth is a focus on the council’s 2022-23 draft budget.
The draft budget, which was tabled at a council meeting on Monday, March 21, proposes to increase rates by an average of 1.75 per cent.
The draft budget also proposes to increase the waste charge by 13.8 per cent of $15.80 per household.
The council is proposing to spend $71.57 million on capital works next financial year. The capital works program includes $20 million which has been carried forward from this financial year.
Council said the draft budget proposes a significant investment in supporting the local economy to thrive and boosting services to respond to projections of unprecedented population growth.
Chair Administrator Lydia Wilson said it was always a challenge to manage competing interests when allocating funds, but it was important that the budget took a long-term, strategic outlook as well as catering to immediate needs.
“This year we are proposing a significant investment in key services and projects for our community. We will be upgrading local roads, parks and open spaces, delivering engaging local festivals and events and increasing kindergarten spaces, as well as responding to community priorities identified through our Community Plan and needs arising out of the pandemic,” she said.
Council said the draft budget also responds to significant population growth which is forecast to increase by 61.7 per cent between 2020-40, compared to the state’s forecast of 24.9 per cent.
“We are investing in setting ourselves up to manage this growth and enable us to effectively continue to deliver important services our community expects and needs,” she said.
Ms Wilson said the capital works program would enable the council to work on getting future project “shovel-ready” to ensure council can maximise opportunities to partner with other levels of government for funding.
The capital works program also includes funding for the Whittlesea Public Gardens, Mernda Social Support Centre and restore local roads.
Money has also been set aside to commence designing the regional sports and aquatic centre.
Residents can have their say on the budget until April 26.
Details: Whittlesea.vic.gov.au
