MARIBYRNONG Council will embark upon its largest capital works program this year, spearheaded by major projects in Braybrook and Maidstone.
Braybrook will have its own community hub, including a new library, from an $8 million windfall.
In Maidstone, $3 million for the Burns Street Early Years Hub will bring maternal and child health and childcare under the one umbrella.
The draft 2013-14 budget includes a $37 million capital works program funded by a 4.9 per cent rate rise — 2.9 per cent for infrastructure and 2 per cent to cover inflation.
More than $1 million will be spent on cycling, $650,000 on expanding library collections and $140,000 on the first official New Year’s Eve celebrations together with City of Melbourne.
Mayor Catherine Cumming said it was a “community budget” that met voter expectations. “We’re making sure we are doing the right thing and actually keeping rate rises low and still delivering services.”
The council will raise $75.7 million in fees and charges and expects to face $104.9 million in rates.
Residents can make written submissions on the draft budget until June 7.— Benjamin Millar
