By Matthew Sims
Maribyrnong council has approved a record-breaking budget of $123.6 million for the 2022/2023 period, which includes an adjusted underlying surplus of $4.1 million.
Councillors passed the officer’s recommendation to adopt the 2022/2023 annual budget, which also included a 1.75 per cent rate rise.
Yarraville Ward councillor Michael Clarke said it was a “remarkable” budget, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The ongoing effects of the pandemic have been horrific,” he said.
“The dilemma for council has been how do we deliver services, how do we deliver facilities and how do we do this on a limited income?”
Cr Clarke said the budget aimed to find a comfortable balance revenue and expenses to deliver services, with a $85.35 million capital works program outlined.
“That is a record budget for this council,” he said.
Capital works outlined in the budget would include:
* Civic and Community Precinct – $13 million;
* Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre Splash Park – $7 million;
* Henry Turner South Reserve Pavilion redevelopment – $5.6 million;
* Footscray Park West Lawn – $4.3 million;
* Joseph Road Public Realm project – $500,000; and
* A redesign of the Footscray Library, Community and Cultural Hub – $200,000.
Stony Creek councillor Bernadette Thomas said the inclusion of a climate emergency statement and a gender equity statement were welcome inclusions into the budget.
“I think we’re the only council that I know of in Victoria that has included that in their budget and I think that’s a really good step forward and hopefully, something that other councils might pick up and follow,” she said.
The budget also outlined council would borrow $10 million through the Community Infrastructure Loans Scheme for upgrades to the Footscray Town Hall as part of the Civic and Community Precinct project, council would grant a $204.85 maximum rebate under the State Government Pensioner Remission Scheme and council would extend the existing COVID-19 Financial Hardship Policy.
