Tara Murray
Whittlesea council won’t seek variation to the state government’s rate cap in its 2024-25 proposed annual budget, with an average rate rise of 2.75 per cent on the cards for residents.
The council released its draft budget at the March 19 council meeting with a number of big ticket items to receive funding.
The council said that the rate cap which was set late last year continues to have a significant ongoing impact on the council’s ability to keep pace with the service delivery and infrastructure requirements.
“Through rigorous budgeting and identifying operational efficiencies council can continue to deliver our critical services within an average rate increase of 2.75 per cent in line with the Victorian government’s Fair Go Rates System,” the council report said.
“Council is cognisant of cost pressures on individuals and businesses and despite higher inflation rates of 4.1 per cent as at the December 2023 quarter, council will not be seeking a variation to the rate cap for the 2024-25 year and is proposing to increase the majority of non-statutory fees and charges by no more than 2.75 per cent.”
In the draft budget, the council will spent $25 million on family, children, youth and aged services, $22 million on parks and open space, $20 million on roads and footpaths, $16 million on supporting local business and communities and $10 million on leisure, recreation and community facilities
The total capital works budget will be $107.5 million. Last financial year, the council allocated $75 million for capital works.
The highlights include commencement of construction of the Regional Sports Precinct, continued construction of the Granite Hills Major Community Park, completion of the construction of the Aboriginal Gathering Place, continued construction of Patterson Drive community activity centre in Donnybrook and commencing construction of the Doreen splash park and playground.
Waste charges are proposed to increase by 20 per cent or $36.60 per household which will mean a total charge of $219.90 for the average residential household.
The council said it will continue to subsidise the cost of the provision of kerbside waste collection services and the state government mandated landfill levy to reduce costs on residents.
Administrator Christian Zahra said a great deal of work had been done to get to this point.
He said it was really important that residents and community groups get involved in the next stage and provide feedback on the draft budget.
Chair administrator Lydia Wilson she believes the budget strikes the right balance.
“Council has limited income and we need to carefully manage our expenditure to ensure we are delivering the infrastructure and services our community needs now whilst ensuring we are financially sustainable to
continue to deliver in the future.”
Details: engage.whittlesea.vic.gov.au
