Maribyrnong ratepayers will be slugged with an average rate increase of three per cent in the next financial year, according to council’s proposed 2025-2026 budget.
Both the proposed budget and draft revenue and rating for 2025-2029 were passed at a meeting of Maribyrnong council on April 15 and are now open for public comment.
The $144.78 million budget, projected to have an underlying surplus of $12.4 million, is based on a three per cent increase in rates which is in line with the state government’s imposed rate cap.
Council argues the rate increase is needed to maintain services and infrastructure while dealing with increased costs.
The extra revenue will help pay for a $63.9 million capital works program of which more than $20 million will go towards aquatic, sports and recreation facilities and major projects.
Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre will receive nearly $10 million for the continuation of the Splash Park project and to convert its energy supply from gas to electricity.
A new pavilion at Hansen Reserve in West Footscray will receive $5 million, while the demolition of RecWest Footscray and upgrade of Shorten Reserve has been allocated $2.5 million.
The design and planning process for the proposed Creative West performing arts centre in Footscray will receive $1 million.
Traffic management and road rehabilitation will receive $15.5 million, including just under $10 million for projects such as distributor road upgrades along Summerhill Road in West Footscray and Mitchell Street in Maribyrnong and designs for the next phase of upgrades at the Joseph Road precinct in Footscray.
Just under $9 million has been allocated for parks and gardens and $6 million for streetscape improvements including Barkly Village, Clark Street Park and Bunbury Street in Footscray.
Master planning for Pipemakers Park, Yarraville Gardens and Footscray Park will receive $4 million.
Maribyrnong mayor Pradeep Tiwari thanked members of the public who contributed to the budget by sharing their spending priorities during community consultation late last year.
“We have – as much as possible – considered what is most important to you in our decisions, while balancing both the cost of living challenges for ratepayers and the challenging economic climate in which we all operate,” Cr Tiwari said.
More community feedback is now being sought on the proposed budget and draft revenue and rating plan, with both open for comment until midnight on Wednesday, May 14.
Details: https://www.yourcityyourvoice.com.au/budget
