The Greater Bendigo City Council’s 2019/2020 proposed Budget will fund a number of priority projects that will offer positive outcomes to the community.
Mayor Cr Margaret O’Rourke said this was the third Budget in this Council term and its main focus was to complete a number of exciting projects throughout the municipality.
“The first two Budgets featured funding for several major projects, including Gurri Wanyarra and Bendigo Stadium which now provide fantastic facilities for the community to enjoy. This Budget’s focus is on completing important projects and ensuring our assets continue to meet the needs of our growing community,” Cr O’Rourke said.
“We have a range of important high value projects that need to be completed, all of which will benefit the day-to-day lives of our community.”
The proposed $42.8M capital works program includes:
- Construction of a new skate park in Epsom
- Expansion of the Huntly Early Learning Centre to include an early years hub
- A new dog park in Heathcote (location yet to be decided)
- Detailed design for a Greater Bendigo Food Hub
- Continued construction of the Garden Gully Hockey Complex in Ironbark
- Construction of the City’s first on-road protected bike lane from Somerville Street to Bendigo South East College and La Trobe University
- Completion of new drainage infrastructure in west Marong
- $1.79M in new footpaths across the municipality
“Our capital works program includes expanding the Huntly Early Learning Centre to create an early years hub in response to a growing community along Greater Bendigo’s northern corridor. The new hub will include a multi-purpose room, an extra playroom and two rooms for maternal health service consultations.
“We will also complete the construction of the Garden Gully Hockey pavilion, build a skate park at Epsom, and create a safe cycling route between the city centre and La Trobe University to further encourage active and healthy lifestyles in our municipality. Funding detailed design for the Greater Bendigo Food Hub also takes the next step in supporting a localised sustainable food system.
“Councillors have considered these capital projects carefully and are confident that they will all make significant positive impacts and benefit our growing community.
“The proposed Budget will ensure staff and Council continue to work towards achieving our vision for Greater Bendigo to be the world’s most liveable community and achieve the six goals outlined in the Community Plan 2017-2021.”
Submissions to the proposed 2019/2020 Budget are best submitted by completing an online form at www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/budget by close of business on Friday May 17, 2019. Residents may also elect to have their submission heard at a meeting at Council to be held on Wednesday May 22, 2019 at 5.30pm at the main office, 195 Lyttleton Terrace, Bendigo.
