Funding for roads, parks and access to leisure centres for pensioners and people with disabilities are among the big-ticket items announced in Whittlesea’s 2014-15 draft budget released at last Tuesday’s council meeting.
Whittlesea ratepayers will pay an extra 3.95 per cent on their annual rates, totalling $120.65 million in income for the council.
The $213 million budget includes a $40 million major projects and capital works program, which includes $10.5 million allocated for roads, footpaths and bike paths.
Projects getting a slice of the funding will include the Doreen South Early Learning Centre ($5.8 million) and a redevelopment of Church Street in Whittlesea ($1.6 million).
A further $950,000 was allocated to complete the Renaissance Rise Community Activity Centre in Mernda, and $600,000 will be used to upgrade playgrounds across the city.
The council has opted to standardise all concession rates across leisure and aquatic centres, which means pensioners, students
and people with disabilities who hold a concession card can receive 20 per cent off the full rate.
Cr Kris Pavlidis said at the meeting that the council had strived to “put people first” when making tough financial decisions this year, resulting in a rate rise “below the state average”.
“For a growth council which welcomes 180 people into our community each week, we are doing well.”
Public submissions on the budget will be received until June 26 at 5pm. Following the public consultation, the budget will be considered for adoption on July 15.
To make a submission, visit www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au
