Whittlesea residents face one of the lowest rate rises in the state if the council’s proposed 2015-16 budget is approved next month.
A rate rise of 3.5 per cent is forecast in the 2015-16 financial year, marginally lower than the 2014-15 rate rise of 3.75 per cent and significantly lower than rate hikes forecast by neighbouring councils.
Hume council releases its draft budget next Tuesday. Nillumbik council has proposed a rate rise of 5.5 per cent, Mitchell council wants 6.9 per cent, and Brimbank and Macedon Ranges councils have both flagged increases of 4.8 per cent. Whittlesea council will also continue to offer farms a 15 per cent discount on their rates.
Whittlesea mayor Ricky Kirkham said rising living costs for households were carefully weighed up against the need to deliver more services before deciding on rate rises.
For residents with a house valued about $500,000, annual rates will be $1324.20 for the 2015-16 year, up just $25.47, if the budget is passed in June.
The draft budget also includes $232 million for more than 100 community services and infrastructure investments and a $42 million war chest for capital works projects.
Funding of $2.25 million has been earmarked for traffic lights at the Bridge Inn and Bassetts roads intersection. A further $330,000 is set aside for the redevelopment of Church Street in Whittlesea and $925,000 for bike facilities and paths.
A new animal welfare precinct at Epping is slated to cost $4 million and will manage lost pets and impounded livestock.
Other budget highlights include $2.2 million for a new kindergarten at Epping North, $1 million for Barry Road community activity centre upgrades and car parking, and $600,000 for playgrounds across the city.
Cr Kirkham said while the council rolls out much-needed capital works, “it will continue to deliver the high-quality community services our residents need and expect.
These will include libraries, leisure and aquatic centres, maternal and child health services, youth services, aged and disability services, as well as maintaining local roads, parks, playgrounds, and waste and recycling services, Cr Kirkham said.
The proposed budget can be viewed online or at council offices.
Residents are encouraged to have their say before 5pm on May 28. Submissions can be made online or in writing.
Details: www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au
