Gerald Lynch
Rates will rise while a number of residents’ wish lists will be granted, as Hume council has released its proposed budget for 2024-25.
Rates are seeing a 2.75 per cent increase, in line with the Local Government Act’s cap on rate increases, which on average will be an extra $45.21 per property.
Councillor Carly Moore said she knows the increase won’t be a popular decision among ratepayers, but it was essential to allow for services to be delivered.
“I wish there didn’t need to be any increase at all, but given the current economic conditions, I’m confident this small increase is a fair and reasonable outcome,” she said.
“In 24-25, we’ll spend $35.88 million on improving, updating, and building new buildings.”
This includes $7.22 million for the expansion of preschool rooms in community centres, and $6.7 million for pavilion and social room upgrades across local sporting clubs.
“We’ll spend $25.64 million on the construction, upgrading, and maintenance of our roads,” she continued.
“$8 million will be spent on footpaths and cycle ways, and over $20 million on car parks.”
$38.94 million has been allocated to park and reserve upgrades across Hume.
Most notably among the list, $2.11 million will be spent on the renewal of courts at the Tullamarine Tennis Courts, and $1.55 million will be allocated to the continued construction of a second pitch at the Hume Hockey Centre in Craigieburn.
$3 million will also go to upgrading the play area and open space at the Sunbury Aquatic Leisure Centre.
Councillor Joseph Haweil spoke in support of the budget, and was pleased to see the Somerton Road construction funded, with $9 million going towards the project.
Councillor Jim Overend was the only councillor to vote against the draft budget, and was disappointed to see rates rise in a difficult financial period for residents.
“Whilst our current residents are experiencing the cost of living stress that they’re currently feeling out there in the community, and the uncertainty of what’s happening with our future at the moment… because of this I cannot support a budget that increases rates by 2.75 per cent,” he said.
