By Molly Magennis
Hobsons Bay council are seeking community feedback on its proposed 2022-23 budget, which includes sporting and recreational facility upgrades, new parking meters on the Altona Esplanade and a rate increase.
The proposed budget was discussed during a council meeting held on April 12.
As outlined in the budget, council will invest in a variety of major infrastructure projects across the city, such as allocating $11.14 million for recreation and open spaces, $14.76 million for roads and $1.02 million for footpaths and bicycle path routes.
A total of $3.9 million over two financial years will be assigned for the McCormack Park Open Space Upgrade in Laverton, one of the budget’s major projects.
“This year’s Annual Budget has been developed with a focus on providing over 100 valuable services to the community and delivers value for money as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Hobsons Bay mayor Peter Hemphill.
While the proposed budget was met with a positive response from most councillors, Cherry Lake Ward Cr Daria Kellander was concerned about the 1.75 per cent average rate increase (the state’s full rate cap) and the council’s possible $30 million debt.
The state government announced the 1.75 percent rate cap last year under the Fair Go Rates System, a slight jump from the 1.5 per cent cap in 2021-22.
During the council meeting Cr Kellander said she was frustrated to see the rate cap at that figure considering the budget includes several new income streams for the council.
“I’m a little disappointed that no effort has been made to reduce the rate burden on residents,” she said.
“This budget also wants to increase our debt by $30 million over the next four years to levels that I’ve never seen before in Hobson’s Bay, and that concerns me. High levels of debt restrict what can be borrowed in the future and this adds risk.”
Residents can have their say on the budget and provide feedback up until May 15 via participate.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/budget2022-23?fbclid=IwAR0MN6L_HjQzcGwZNdcVrDi1VjITVIoltmywnMRmErYDPSucTSXdRx0l2Cs.
