Council rates in Whittlesea will rise by 3.95 per cent this financial year, following the adoption of the council’s 2014-15 budget.
Whittlesea mayor Cr Mary Lalios described the rate rise as “moderate”, one of the lowest among Victorian councils.
She said the farm rate would keep its 15 per cent discount.
The budget will see $173 million spent on more than 100 essential services, including libraries, recreation and community facilities, material and child health services, youth services, and aged and disability services.
A $40 million capital works program will fund new roads and upgrades to streetscapes, community centres, parks and playgrounds.
“Key projects for our capital works program include $5.8 million to complete the Doreen South Early Learning Centre, $3.15 million to construct the Woodland Waters Recreation Reserve pavilion, $950,000 to complete the Renaissance Rise Community Activity Centre, and $500,000 to finish the Whittlesea Community Activity Centre,” Cr Lalios said.
New council initiatives include the development of a strategy to encourage cycling, working to prevent family violence through a new strategy, and the rollout of a responsible- gambling strategy.
Concession rates will be standardised across all council leisure and aquatic centres, ensuring every facility offers a 20 per cent discount for all concession holders.
The council invited community feedback on the draft budget between May 29 and June 26.
Eleven submissions were received and an advisory committee was convened on July 15 to hear and consider their proposals.
The committee recommendations added projects with a net cost of $54,400, to be funded from the 2013-14 surplus.
They include a grant to the Lalor Living & Learning Centre and another to replace the synthetic bowling green at Epping RSL.
