More than $21.5 million will be spent on major capital works projects under Council’s 2023-24 Budget, which was endorsed by Council on Tuesday.
The Budget will see a 3.5 per cent rate increase, which is within the limit set by the Victorian Government under the Fair Go Rates System. There will be a 5.78 per cent increase to the standard domestic waste service charge.
The extensive capital works program will include:
- Kangaroo Ground landfill rehabilitation $5.8 million
- Road and carpark renewal $1.74 million
- A roof for two Diamond Creek netball courts $1.7 million
- Buildings renewal (including public toilets) $1.54 million
- Road upgrades $1.4 million
- Hurstbridge outdoor netball courts $540,000
- Diamond Creek and Panton Hill tennis renewal $400,000
The draft Budget was released for community consultation in March. Council received 41 submissions, from both individuals and organisations.
Mayor Ben Ramcharan said the budget was responsible and delivered services needed in the community.
He said while rates would go up, they were within the State Government-mandated cap, which is standard across all Victorian councils.
“One of the more exciting things coming out of this budget, which we can all be really proud of, is funding for a new youth hub,” Cr Ramcharan said.
“Part of that is funded by the State Government but Council is also contributing funding to support a youth worker to work at the hub and provide much-needed services to the youth of Nillumbik.
“There will be additional resources to support place-making across the Shire, where the community can actively get involved and create and activate places in Nillumbik in collaboration with Council.
“We’ll be pushing ahead with the Nillumbik Heritage Amendment to protect Nillumbik’s heritage and developing a housing strategy to make sure everybody can have a place to live.
“We’ll be beginning Phase B of the Diamond Creek Facilities Masterplan as well as completing the Wattle Glen Public Realm Framework Plan.
“We also have funding to continue implement annual actions in the Climate Action Plan, including turning Edendale Farm into a Community Climate Action Hub.
“The initiative I’m most excited about is money allocated to expand and resource our environmental volunteering programs.
“I get so many residents emailing me, making phone calls, begging for opportunities to do some planting, weeding or to collect some litter and this budget contains funding to support that so keep your eye out for opportunities to get involved.”
The 2023-24 Budget is available to read on Council’s website.
