Weekly waste collections, home support for people in need, maternal and child health services, parks and open spaces, local roads and footpaths, playgrounds and sportsfields; these are just some of the 147 services Whittlesea Council delivers for its community each year.
At last night's meeting Council endorsed its $315 million operating budget to enable these critical services to continue.
The 2024-25 Budget also included $108 million for capital works to deliver much-needed new facilities and upgrades to infrastructure.
Some of the highlights of the 2024-25 capital program include;
Commencing construction of the Regional Sports Precinct in Mernda
Completing the construction of the Aboriginal Gathering Place
Continuing the construction of the Granite Hills Major Community Park
Continuing the construction of Patterson Drive Community Centre in Donnybrook
Completing the design and construction of the West Wollert Community Centre
Continuing the upgrade of Peter Hopper Lake in Mill Park; and
Commencing construction of the Doreen Splash Park and Playground.
The Budget adoption followed extensive community consultation, including an opportunity for people to submit feedback and present to a Hearing of Submissions committee held earlier this month.
Chair Administrator Lydia Wilson thanked the community for their input and feedback in the three stages of consultation over the past year.
"I'd like to thank everyone who provided their feedback to help shape the Budget and our Community Plan Action Plan for 2024-25," she said.
Lydia said preparing the Budget was always a balancing act.
"With the increased cost-of-living right across Australia right now and the tightening of funds from other levels of government, Council must be continually cognisant of its expenditure. Our community needs us to deliver important infrastructure and services but we must also ensure we are financially sustainable to continue to deliver into the future," she said.
Council will continue to subsidise waste charges in 2024-25, including the Victorian Government's Landfill Levy, by 22.8% at a cost of $1.9 million.
The Budget also includes an average rate increase of 2.75% in line with the rate cap set by the Victorian Government under the Fair Go Rating system.
Council will continue to offer support through its financial hardship program and the Budget provides for significant funding for community grants at an amount of $2.7 million.
"It's important that we also support community who are delivering programs and projects that have significant local benefit. Our Community Grant program is a wonderful way for Council to partner with community," Lydia said.
At the same Council meeting Council also endorsed the Community Plan Action Plan 2024-25 which includes 59 key actions that support the delivery of our Whittlesea 2040 goals: a connected community, liveable neighbourhoods, a strong local economy and a sustainable environment.
You can view the City of Whittlesea Budget 2024-25 and Community Plan Action Plan 2024-25 on Council's website at www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/budget
