Hume council will spend a record $74 million on capital works this year, as it seeks to deliver essential community infrastructure as soon as possible.
Councillors approved the 2016-17 budget on June 27, making minor changes to its draft budget, which was released in May.
Following community submissions, councillors voted to include $40,000 for resurfacing two courts at Tullamarine Tennis Club, after the club approached the council because three of its courts had been deemed unsafe.
Club spokesman Colin Akers said other clubs and the North Suburban Night Tennis Association had complained about the conditions of the courts.
The budget includes an average rates rise of 2.5 per cent, in line with the state government’s new cap.
The average household will pay about $45 more in rates this year.
But as this is a revaluation year, the degree of change will vary.
The council will also repay almost $25.95 million in borrowings, making it virtually debt-free.
Mayor Helen Patsikatheodorou said said there would be “huge investments” in services and community facilities.
She said the budget included the most ambitious capital works program of her eight years on the council, with $19 million to complete the aquatic and athletics centre at Craigieburn Anzac Park, and $1.47 million will upgrade the pavilion at Craigieburn’s DS Aitken reserve.
In Broadmeadows, $3 million will go towards redeveloping the old town hall, while money will also be spent to increase car parking in the CBD.
