Funding for upgrades to the Williamstown Lifesaving Club has now been included in the Hobsons Bay 2024-25 budget.
Hobsons Bay council passed its budget at the June 25 council meeting, with several changes to the draft budget which was put out for community consultation.
The biggest change is bringing forward $4.5 million for upgrades to the lifesaving club, with the council bringing forward a grant to accommodate the works.
The state government announced an $11.35 million investment for the project in 2021.
Also added to the budget was upgrades to Ross Road, Douglas Parade road rehabilitation, the Burgoyne Sea Wall and flood lighting at Langshaws Reserve, which are all being partially funded by grants.
The council received 37 responses to its draft budget, resulting in six projects being added to the final budget.
They include road renewal works along Douglas Parade, Williamstown; the upgrade of the ford crossing along Racecourse Road, Altona; design work for the ongoing streetscape improvements along Pier Street, Altona; and upgrade works to Leo Hoffman Reserve, Newport.
As in the draft budget, there will be an average rate rise of 2.75 per cent on the cards for residents, in line with the state government cap on rates. Waste charges will increase by 7.5 per cent.
Councillor Diana Grima said residents can look forward to improved community services and enhanced infrastructure that has been lacking.
She welcomed funding for the Wetlands Centre and new family amenities at Laverton Football Club.
Cr Jonathon Marsden said the council has made significant investment in the last four year, while Cr Pamela Sutton-Legaud said costs are going up and no one likes to pay rates.
“We tried to manage that the best we can and minimise the impact on those who are least able to pay and I hope it can be acknowledged that we’ve made every effort to make it as fair as possible,” she said.
Cr Kellander said the budget included funding for projects which are ‘bread and butter’ stuff.
She said the council had voluntarily put up rates by the maximum the last four years and on principle she couldn’t support the budget.
