A bigger investment in recreation and leisure services for our community and a healthy capital works program are among key features of Mildura Rural City Council's 2022-23 Draft Budget.
The $154.36 million Draft Budget has been released for public feedback and outlines how Council will fund the more than 100 crucial services residents and businesses throughout our 22,300 km2 municipality rely on, including:
- $7.58 million for youth, children and family services
- $4.12 million for community safety, health and wellbeing
- $3.85 million for customer services.
Mildura Mayor Liam Wood said the budget included a 30% increase in spending for recreation and leisure to $5.29 million, which would contribute to the community's wellbeing through increased participation in physical activity and social interaction.
Another feature of this year's budget is a $49.73 million capital works program.
Some of these capital works projects include:
- $17.17 million on buildings and building improvements:
- second stage of the Mildura Sporting Precinct
- Irymple Kindergarten extension
- upgrades/improvements to the Lake Cullulleraine Community Complex
- $11.54 million in roads projects:
- construction of stages two and three of the Meridian Road south of the Sturt Highway
- reconstruction of the Etiwanda Avenue and Tenth Street intersection
- $3.28 million on parks, open spaces and streetscapes:
- Deakin Avenue median redevelopment from Seventh Street to Eighth Street
- Nowingi Place playground replacement
- Springfield Drive park development
"Our 2022-23 Draft Budget is very much about striking the balance between delivering the services our community expects and deserves while ensuring we continue to improve facilities and infrastructure across our region, and I think this budget does that," Cr Wood said.
"A strong capital works program is a win-win for our community.
"It means improvements to buildings, roads, and facilities that we all need to go about our daily lives, which at the same time generate jobs and economic growth in our region during construction. This is more valuable than ever as we continue to recover from the impacts of COVID-19."
Feedback on the 2022-23 Draft Budget will close on Friday 3 June, and can be made by visiting yoursay.mildura.vic.gov.au/budget.
