City of Whittlesea council has adopted its 2022-23 annual budget and community plan at its meeting on Monday night (June 27).
A combined 37 submissions were received by council on the draft budget and community action plan during its consultation period with suggestions incorporated into the final documents.
Chair administrator Lydia Wilson said the budget had been developed to ensure it catered to community needs, now and in the future.
“It is challenging to develop a budget that delivers for today while ensuring the Council will be in a financial position to provide the infrastructure and services needed to cater for significant population growth in the future,” Ms Wilson said.
The city of Whittlesea is expected to grow by 62 per cent between now and 2040, compared to the state average of 25 per cent.
“We’re confident this budget balances these competing priorities and reflects our community’s priorities.”
“Our community told us they would like us to invest in local roads, parks and open spaces as well as supporting local business and providing an opportunity for jobs growth.
“And they highlighted the importance of local festivals and events, increasing kindergarten spaces and addressing needs that have arisen out of the pandemic.
“Our Budget also supports local community groups who have been impacted by cost increases due to the pandemic.”
A further $140,000 has been allocated to support local community led events. Of that, an extra $20,000 will go to the Whittlesea Agricultural Show ($40,000 total in contributions) and another $20,000 to the Whittlesea Country Music Festival ($50,000 total in contributions).
Council has also made available $100,000 for community event organisers to share in through the Community Events grant program.
The $297.06 million budget includes an operating budget of $245.39 million and a capital works program of $51.67 million to deliver new and improved infrastructure and upgrade roads and facilities around the municipality.
Rates are expected to increase by 1.75 per cent, in line with the state rate cap.
They will also continue to subsidise waste charges for the next four years, with a proposed increase of 13.8 per cent in 2022-23.
Council’s anticipated budgeted cash result is $14.28 million, which is proposed to be transferred into a newly created Regional Sports & Aquatic Fund to help fund the delivery of a new state-of-the-art centre.
Details: whittlesea.vic.gov.au.
