Tom Ingleton
A business start-up accelerator, a fenced dog sensory park in Greenvale, and an urban farm in Broadmeadows are among the ideas floated for inclusion in Hume council’s 2025-26 budget.
As part of its budget and council plan process, council invited residents to suggest projects council should fund next financial year.
Council received 102 submissions which were tabled at the March 11 council meeting, with submitters given the chance to speak about their idea during the meeting.
Banksia Gardens Community Centre member Donna Stoddard sought funding to begin a Broadmeadows farm project, highlighting the crucial need to tackle youth unemployment.
“We want Broadmeadows farm to grow a diverse range of produce supplying cafes, community pantries, food relief, having a farm gate and that’s just to name a few,” Ms Stoddard said
“This farm will create jobs, hands-on training and a pathway into careers in urban farming, hospitality, environmental sustainability, and more.”
Tullamarine resident Anita John requested the nature strip at the entry point into Tullamarine be refurbished.
“It’s very dull and dreary,” Ms John said, who highlighted the greenery on route to Moonee Ponds as an example of what council should strive for.
“I always feel very jealous that why can’t we, as Hume, do something, it’s a very small budget it would require just to upgrade that nature strip on Melrose Drive.”
Hume City Soccer Club president Ersan Gulum asked for funding to upgrade the LED lighting at the club’s home ground, stating it would help extend training hours and reduce the cost of running the sessions during the winter.
Mr Gulum said this would contribute a great deal in helping start up a women’s soccer team next year, which will expand opportunities for female participation in sport.
Westmeadows Cricket Club’s Dean Burgess asked councillors for funds to extend the club’s cricket nets, raising concerns over the current nets’ safety.
“The run-ups are way too short, leading to bowlers running in on an uneven surface with different materials,” Mr Burgess said.
“It’s considered very unsafe in our world.”
Other budget submissions included installing lights in Trade Park Tullamarine, a multi-purpose community space for Broadmeadows Basketball Stadium and an Islamic university for females in Hume.
The council will review the proposals before finalising the budget allocations, with the draft council plan and budget available for community feedback in May.
