By Laura Michell
The Broadmeadows Town Hall revamp and the construction of the Hume Global Learning Centre at Sunbury are among the projects earmarked for completion in Hume council’s 2019-20 draft budget.
Councillors adopted the draft budget last week, paving the way for the public to have its say.
The proposed budget includes an average rate rise of 2.5 per cent in line with the state government’s rating cap.
It also proposes an $86 million capital works program, including $3.8 million to complete the town hall and $3.1 million to finish the Sunbury learning centre.
The council is proposing to spend $2.5 million on the Mt Aitken District Recreation Reserve at Craigieburn, $4 million on a community hub at Greenvale West and $3.7 million on the Northern Community Hub at Merrifield West.
Roxburgh Park Drive will be duplicated at a cost of $2.2 million, while $400,000 will be added to the council’s indented parking bay program to ease congestion in narrow streets across the municipality.
The draft budget includes funding for upgrades to sports parks, including Sunbury’s Boardman Reserve.
Mayor Carly Moore said the budget would ensure Hume residents had access to great facilities and services into the future.
“Excitement is building for the delivery of the town hall and HGLC Sunbury,” she said.
“Each project offers so many benefits to our community and will be fantastic community spaces where people can come together.
“The increased investment in leisure facilities, parks and reserves is the result of a continued focus on supporting the health and safety of our community. We are committed to creating opportunities for people of all ages and interests to live active and fulfilling lives.”
Residents can have their say on the draft budget until May 29.
The council will run a live, written question and answer session via its Facebook page on May 20 from 7.30-8.30pm, allowing residents to ask questions about the budget in real-time.
Details: hume.vic.gov.au
