Kingston’s 2022–2023 budget will deliver high-quality services and a record investment in community facilities.
Mayor Steve Staikos said that Council is proud to be delivering a record $80.4 million in capital works for the coming year, a program that includes many new projects and upgrades to infrastructure and is headlined by the purchase of the $14.6 million site for our new district level aquatic and leisure centre on Governor Road in Mordialloc.
The delivery of the new aquatic and leisure centre will be the biggest capital works project in Kingston’s history, but our 2022-23 program will also see $7.8 million invested in renewing local roads; $16 million being invested on new pavilions and reserve improvements across GR Bricker Reserve in Moorabbin, Dingley Reserve, and Regent’s Park in Aspendale; and a major upgrade to the North Cheltenham Preschool.
Other key projects to be delivered include the completion of the Mentone and Aspendale lifesaving clubs, new disability access paths along the foreshore, and a range of sustainability initiatives to address the climate and ecological emergency.
The budget also prioritises community services as we continue to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are passionate about creating a supportive, inclusive community. With that in mind, this budget ensures that Kingston’s community services will continue to support our residents,” Cr Staikos said.
“Council is investing in the things that really matter – aged care services, our delivered meals program, childhood immunisations, maternal and child health support, senior citizen centres, and much more.
“This budget protects the city’s financial sustainability, while striking a balance between meeting the community’s current needs and investing in the future.
“Importantly, it has been prepared in line with Council’s commitment to sustainable budgeting, responsible financial management and the State Government’s rate cap for 2022/23, as shown in the forecasted $15.1 million surplus.
“We look forward to partnering with the Victorian and Australian Governments to secure funding to jointly deliver further capital works projects for our community,” Cr Staikos said.
