Jennifer Pittorino
Maribyrnong councillor Michael Clarke has labelled council’s 2023-24 budget as being “remarkably responsible”.
Council adopted the budget during its meeting on Tuesday, June 20.
The budget includes $223.5 million to fund the delivery of essential services, facilities, and infrastructure to their community.
“Last year we asked our community what their priorities were for the spend of our council,” Cr Clarke said.
“Open space, cycling, pedestrian infrastructure, sustainability, city amenity, community centres and libraries were some of the priorities, we saw to reflect these.”
Of the allocated $223.5 million, $87.63 million is dedicated to capital works, while $135.9 million is allocated to ensure the continued delivery of essential services and programs across the municipality.
This includes support for maternal and child health programs, maternal and child health, immunisation services, arts and cultural experiences, library and community centre events across Maribyrnong.
Capital works funding for the 2023- 24 budget includes $32.90 million for public realm and streetscapes upgrade; $21.78 million for roads and footpaths; $14.48 million for sport and recreation facilities; $6.27 million for aquatic and leisure centres; $3.12 million for early years and young people; $2.76 million for community centres, arts and libraries; $2.47 million for parks and gardens; $1.03 million for drainage; $1.02 million for bike infrastructure; and $375,000 for waste management
Other prior commitments previously allocated were the new Splash Park at Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre, with $6 million allocated to support its completion, as well as $4.5 million to the Western Lawn at Footscray Park.
“Our budget this year acknowledges the post COVID environment, this council has elected to increase its rates at 2.98 per cent while many other councils have adopted the full rate increase of 3.5 per cent,” Cr Clarke said.
