The City of Boroondara's Budget for the 2023-24 financial year was adopted at last night's Council meeting.
The 2023-24 Budget carefully considers the tightening economic conditions impacting both Council and the community with the rising cost of living and inflation, while accounting for the significant cost escalations affecting both existing and planned community construction projects.
Overall, Council has aligned its budget to continue delivering on the Boroondara Community Plan 2021-2031 and allocate funds to various projects and initiatives focusing on what is most important to the Boroondara community.
Mayor of Boroondara Cr Felicity Sinfield said, "Our population is growing and the demand for Council services continues to increase. This budget provides a way for us to manage the impact of cost escalation and a growing community, while still ensuring we deliver on our commitments to our community. Council's budget reflects responsible and prudent financial management for both the year ahead and for our future."
"It is the blueprint for Council's expenditure, and most importantly showcases how we will continue to build towards our community's vision for a more sustainable and inclusive community", said Cr Sinfield.
In 2023-24, Council has committed to fund various projects and initiatives to further support the environment, protect the character of our neighbourhoods and care for community members.
Some of the 2023-24 Budget commitments include:
- $20.46 million (over three years) to redevelop the Kew Library facility.
- $27.45 million (over four years) to refurbish the Michael Tuck Stand, along with $431,329 to deliver the creation of a new open space (following the demolition of the Ferguson Stand) at Glenferrie Oval.
- $8.13 million to renew sporting pavilions at Willsmere Park, Canterbury Sportsground, Lynden Park and Ferndale Park to ensure they are accessible for everyone in our community.
- $397,000 to implement a new process to assess community nominations of properties with potential heritage significance.
- $2.11 million for sportsground reconstructions so the community can continue to enjoy community sport and our quality open spaces.
- $414,000 to support our local economy through Place Plan initiatives, which will help improve the quality of our streetscapes in shopping precincts, making them more attractive places for the community to shop and socialise.
- $1 million to continue delivering key environmental initiatives to reduce Council's emissions and meet climate-related targets.
Council will continue maintaining the city's infrastructure to the high standard our community expects. For 2023-24, Council has allocated:
- $5.2 million for drainage renewal
- $2.4 million on footpath and cycleway renewal
- $13.8 million on road renewal
- $10.5 million for seven other community building renewal works and minor works across many of the other properties under Council stewardship.
Our high level of service provision to residents will also continue, with expenditure of:
- $10.3 million to provide library services seven days a week
- $9.4 million on health and wellbeing services including immunisation, youth and recreation services
- $20.9 million for parks and gardens, biodiversity and street trees maintenance
- $3.7 million on arts and cultural services and events
- $12.7 million for planning, development and building controls
- $12.4 million for maintenance of the city's infrastructure.
"By continuing to invest in our services, facilities and community activities, Council will strengthen its pivotal role in fostering community connection, and contributing to people's health and wellbeing in Boroondara," Cr Sinfield added.
In line with the Victorian Government's rate cap, this budget includes a 3.5 per cent rate increase to the total rates Council requires to operate and provide services to the community.
"Depending on any changes to their property value as assessed by the Valuer-General, some ratepayers may see no increase to their rates, while some rates will either decrease or increase in line with both the rate cap and movement in valuations of the individual properties," said Cr Sinfield.
"Ratepayers experiencing financial hardship should contact Council to access support."
Council's Budget for the 2023-24 financial year will be made available for the community to view from 1 July 2023 on our Council Budgets page.
