A $1.5 million allocation to the Church Street Children’s Centre redevelopment, $1.1 million to a playground at Footscray Park and $1 million upgrade of the bicycle network are the biggest spends flagged in Maribyrnong council’s proposed annual budget.
The $134 million proposed 2017-18 budget and strategic resource plan, adopted at Wednesday night’s council meeting, includes a rate rise of two per cent, the highest amount allowed under rate capping.
The rise follows a 2.5 per cent rise for 2016-17 and would take rates earnings to $94.8 million for the year, including $1.6 million from supplementary rates.
Pensioners would receive a $185 rebate.
The proposed budget features a $43.7 million capital works program including $8.2 million on roads, $5.6 million on parks, open space and streetscapes and $2.9 million on footpaths and cycleways.
A message from the mayor and chief executive, included in the proposed budget, signals the need to maintain ageing infrastructure while “finding innovative ways” to plan for the future.
Other flagged projects include $800,000 for graffiti removal, $800,000 to upgrade Kingsville Tennis Club facilities at Hansen Reserve in West Footscray, $700,000 to plant almost 2000 trees, $300,000 to crack down on dumped rubbish and $200,000 for a waste education program to promote recycling. A surplus of $6.7 million is predicted.
The proposed budget and strategic plan will be advertised for 28 days with public submissions invited and considered before the final budget is adopted on June 20.
Council will also host a live Q&A on the budget via its Facebook page 6.30-8.30pm Wednesday, May 3.
