Jennifer Pittorino
Waste collection and disposal charges in Hobsons Bay will rise by 7.7 per cent next financial year to help pay for the four-bin system introduced in 2019-20.
Council adopted its 2023-24 budget on June 20, which includes the 7.7 per cent increase to service charges for the collection, disposal and processing of garbage, recycling, glass, garden, and food waste and hard waste.
Council said the increased would help cover the cost of its investment to introduce the four-bin system.
The budget also includes an average rate rise of 3.5 per cent across all property categories, with council expecting residential rates to rise by an average of 0.83 per cent.
Councillor Matt Tyler said given the cost of living crisis, he is pleased with the way council is progressing.
“The general rates increase is well below inflation, the budget responds to the needs existent in our community,” he said.
The budget includes a $65 million capital works program, including $23.1 million for buildings, $11.9 million for sporting and recreational facilities, $4.5 million for environmental sustainability initiatives, $4.6 million for community centres and $2.1 million for building renewal program.
Council has also allocated $16.2 million for recreation and open space, $12.1 million for parks, open space and streetscapes, $2 million for recreational, leisure and community facilities, $1.1 million for bridges, $13.7 million for roads, $2.5 million for drains, $2 million for footpaths and cycleways., $1.4 million for waste management, $4.7 million for plant and equipment, $2.9 million for scheduled replacement of council’s vehicle and plant fleets,$820,000 for library resources and $980,000 information technology.
Council has also allocated $600,000 in 2023-24 and $900,000 in 2024-25 for stage one of the Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre.
