Maribyrnong ratepayers face a 4.7 per cent hike in rates this year to help fund a record $41 million works program.
The council’s proposed 2014-15 budget, released last week, includes $6.8 million for roads and footpaths, $2 million for parks and gardens, and $1 million for Maribyrnong River projects at Mills Close and Pipemakers Park.
Big-ticket projects include completion of the $12.5 million Braybrook Community Hub and of the $4.7 million Maidstone Children and Family Services Hub.
The council will also spend $3 million on beginning the Saigon in Footscray project and $1 million on bicycle and walking paths, including a ‘Temple to Temple’ cycle trail between Quang Minh and Heavenly Queen temples. The biggest single expenditure is more than $51 million on employees.
Mayor Grant Miles said the $131.4 million budget is about planning to build a better Maribyrnong. “We’re investing a record amount in capital works, opening new facilities and making the city a better place to live.”
The proposed 4.7 per cent rate rise would be the lowest in a decade, down from 4.9 per cent for each of the past two years and a high of
6 per cent each year from 2007 to 2010.
It includes a 2.7 per cent CPI increase and a 2 per cent increase to repair assets and close the infrastructure gap. The council would raise $82 million through rates, with an average residential rate bill of $1811 based on an average rateable property value of $513,000.
Cr Miles said the council was facing a brighter future after being “behind the eight-ball” for almost 30 years due to a $33 million debt inherited from a failed development.
Debt has now dropped to $4.2 million and is due to be wiped within three years, allowing attention to turn to future priorities.
The proposed 2014-15 budget is available at council offices, community centres, libraries and www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au. Submissions must be received by June 6, ahead of adoption of the final budget on June 24.
