City of Whittlesea endorsed its $315 million operating budget to enable services at last week’s council meeting.
Home support for people in need, maternal and child health services, roads and footpaths are some of the 147 services council delivers for its community each year.
The 2024-25 Budget also involved $108 million for capital works to provide much-needed new facilities and upgrades to infrastructure.
Some of the highlights of the 2024-25 capital program include:
·Commencing construction of the Regional Sports Precinct in Mernda
·Completing the construction of the Aboriginal Gathering Place
·Continuing the construction of the Granite Hills Major Community Park
·Continuing the construction of Patterson Drive Community Centre in Donnybrook
·Completing the design and construction of the West Wollert Community Centre
·Continuing the upgrade of Peter Hopper Lake in Mill Park
·Commencing construction of the Doreen Splash Park and Playground
The Budget adoption followed extensive community consultation, including a chance for individuals to submit feedback and present to a Hearing of Submissions committee held earlier this month.
Chair administrator Lydia Wilson thanked the community for their feedback in the three stages of consultation over the past year.
“I’d like to thank everyone who provided their feedback to help shape the Budget and our Community Plan Action Plan for 2024-25,” she said.
Ms Wilson said putting together the Budget was always a balancing act.
“With the increased cost-of-living right across Australia right now and the tightening of funds from other levels of government, Council must be continually cognisant of its expenditure,” she said.
“Our community needs us to deliver important infrastructure and services, but we must also ensure we are financially sustainable to continue to deliver into the future.”
Council will continue to subsidise waste charges in 2024-25, including the State Government’s Landfill Levy, by 22.8% at a cost of $1.9 million.
The Budget also includes an average rate increase of 2.75% in line with the rate cap set by the State Government under the Fair Go Rating system.
Council will continue to provide support through its financial hardship program and the Budget provides for significant funding for community grants at an amount of $2.7 million.
“It’s important that we also support community who are delivering programs and projects that have significant local benefit. Our Community Grant program is a wonderful way for Council to partner with community,” Ms Wilson said.
At the same meeting council also endorsed the Community Plan Action Plan 2024-25, including 59 key actions that support the delivery of council’s Whittlesea 2040 goals – a connected community, liveable neighbourhoods, a strong local economy, and a sustainable environment.
To view the City of Whittlesea Budget 2024-25 and Community Plan Action Plan 2024-25, visit www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/budget
