Work to deliver the City of Boroondara’s 2022-23 budget is now underway, following adoption at the council meeting on Monday 7 June 2022.
“The 2022-23 budget is underpinned by commitments outlined in the Boroondara Community Plan 2021-31 and responds to the diverse needs of our community,” says Mayor of Boroondara Cr Jane Addis.
“We will continue to invest in services and facilities that are important to our community such as environment and climate change initiatives, healthcare, family and youth services, libraries, parks, recreation, roads and more.”
The 2022-23 budget encapsulates Council’s long-term commitments and demonstrates how we will work towards our community’s vision for a more sustainable and inclusive community.
Major infrastructure projects in 2022-23 include:
- Kew Recreation Centre redevelopment ($73.1m over 4 years) due for completion 2022-23
- Tuck Stand refurbishment ($17.2m over 4 years) due for completion 2024-25
- Kew Library Redevelopment ($17m over 4 years) due for completion 2025-26
“The environment is a key priority for our community,” says Cr Addis. “With $4.26m allocated to support ongoing implementation of climate-focused actions, we remain committed to improving Boroondara’s environmental sustainability and delivering a healthier, more sustainable future for our city.”
More than $4m is focused on environmental initiatives including:
- $2m to implement our Sustainable Council Building Policy requirement to deliver a minimum 5-star green-star equivalent standard for all new buildings
- $1m to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including LED lighting and upgrades to heating and cooling
- $675,000 to renew trees in parks and streets
- $279,100 to improve urban biodiversity through initiatives such as the backyard biodiversity project, wildlife-not-weeds program and interpretive signage, as well as extending areas in Boroondara specially managed because of their biodiversity value
Increasing accessibility of our sporting pavilions is a priority with upgrades to three key facilities: Greythorn Park Pavilion ($1.3m), Lewin Reserve Pavilion ($2.2m) and Willsmere Park Pavilion ($1.3m).
Cr Jane Addis says the 2022-23 budget provides a sensible path to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The challenges brought on by COVID-19 were far reaching and touched all Boroondara residents, businesses, and community groups. Despite challenging financial circumstances, we have a clear path to recovery and are proud to deliver a budget that returns a surplus and is sustainable,” she said.
Approximately $66.4m will be invested in a broad range of community services and facilities such as:
- $20.4m for parks and gardens, biodiversity and maintaining street trees
- $9.2m on health and wellbeing services including immunisation, youth and recreation services
- $9.8m to provide library services seven days a week
- $3.5m on arts and cultural services and events
The $66.4m investment also includes $12.3m for planning, development and building controls and $11.2m to maintain city buildings, drainage, footpaths, roads and shopping centres.
More than $30m will be used to improve drains, footpaths, cycling paths and roads, including:
- $12.6m for roadworks
- $12.5m for 13 other projects including renewing community buildings
- $2.1m to renew footpaths and cycleways
The 2022-23 budget is a concrete expression of the organisation’s ten-year vision known as the Boroondara Community Plan 2021-31.
In line with the Victorian Government’s rate cap, the budget includes a 1.75 per cent rate increase to the total rates Council requires to operate and provide services for the community.
Hardship support for ratepayers
Ratepayers experiencing financial difficulties should contact Council immediately to access support through our Rates and Charges Deferment and Financial Hardship Policy.
About the Boroondara community plan
The Boroondara Community Plan 2021-31 guides Council’s work to ensure we deliver what our community values most. It is based on extensive research and community consultation, captures the community’s vision for the City of Boroondara and identifies what our community told us was most important to them.
