2019-20 Budget set to deliver record capital works program

Budget 2019-20

With $59.77 million in capital works, Council’s adopted 2019-20 budget will deliver a record program of infrastructure projects and funding for more than 100 services.

Mayor of Hobsons Bay Cr Jonathon Marsden said this year’s budget also included $1.9 million for projects suggested through community submissions during an extensive consultation period.

“This year’s budget presents great value for money and some great wins for our community, from investing in our road infrastructure to kickstarting major sport and recreation projects and upgrading many local community buildings – we have worked hard to present a budget that meets the needs of our people now and into the future,” said Cr Marsden.

“Some of the highlights of the $59.77 million capital works program include $27.716 million on buildings, $17.902 million on open spaces, $4.675 million on roads, $3.537 million on footpaths and cycle ways, $1.7 million on drainage and $1.3 million on new collections and technology upgrades for libraries.

Cr Marsden said the budget is financially responsible, offers healthy and sustainable financial planning and reflects a genuine community engagement process.

“We’ve worked hard to ensure the budget delivers on the priorities articulated in the Hobsons Bay 2030 Community Vision and has been shaped by the Hobsons Bay community through Council’s ‘Pitch your Idea’ consultation process,” said Cr Marsden.

“The 2019-20 budget also focuses on energy efficiency and renewable energy projects with a $515,000 greenhouse strategy to reduce Council’s greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate against climate change, helping to maintain a healthy and liveable environment for our community.”

Cr Marsden said this year’s rates will be based on the 2019 property valuations, meaning rate increases will vary considerably across the differential rating categories and individual properties.

“General rates will increase by 2.47 per cent, in line with the state government’s rate capping policy. The rate cap applies to the average rateable property, not individual rates notices – so some ratepayers will pay less than 2.47 per cent of an increase from last year’s rates and others will pay more, but overall, general rates won’t exceed the (reduced) rate cap,” said Cr Marsden.

“Waste service charges, which are exempt from the rate cap, have been increased by an average of 2.16 per cent to cover costs associated with providing the waste service.

“Council rates, unlike other forms of government taxes, are spent directly within the community, replenishing and boosting the local economy. We are proud to build, maintain and provide infrastructure and services that are vital for a thriving community.

A copy of the budget can be found at www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Council/Publications/Budget

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