More than $14 million will be spent on capital works projects and Nillumbik’s commitment to climate action will get be strongly supported in the 2022-2023 Budget, which was endorsed by Council last night.
Under the Budget, the rates increase will be kept within the State Government mandated rate cap of 1.75 per cent.
The domestic waste service charge will increase by 21.98 per cent. This is driven by the costs of rehabilitating the former landfill site at Kangaroo Ground – a statutory requirement of the Environment Protection Authority Victoria – as well as a significant increase in the disposal costs for recycling and general waste.
The Budget will deliver an extensive $14.25 million capital works program with key projects including:
- Buildings renewal, including public toilets
- Kangaroo Ground former landfill rehabilitation
- Road and carpark renewal
- Proposed new BMX facility in Diamond Creek
- Car park upgrades
- Sports infrastructure renewal.
Nillumbik Mayor Frances Eyre said it was a responsible Budget, funding many positive initiatives for the community with no new borrowings.
“Importantly, this Budget commits funding to our climate emergency response including the implementation of the Climate Action Plan – which is a key focus of this Council moving forward,” Cr Eyre said.
“There is also funding to review our Biodiversity Strategy and Urban Tree Canopy as well as additional resources for tree planting.
“This is in addition to the extensive capital works funding to improve our infrastructure and assets.”
Deputy Mayor Ben Ramcharan said waste management was an expensive issue for all councils and Nillumbik had a responsibility to remediate the former Kangaroo Ground landfill, a key driver of the increase in the waste management charge.
“However, once that project is completed, I’m excited about the possible opportunities we could explore for this area,” Cr Ramcharan said.
“We are building a major solar farm on the remediated landfill site in Plenty, and I can’t wait to see what we can do in Kangaroo Ground, whether that’s another solar farm or possible community reserve or park.”
The Budget is now available to read on Council’s website.
