A RESIDENTS group has protested against Melton Council’s draft budget, claiming it is unfair and disadvantages some suburbs.
Cambridge, Coburn and Watts Residents Association president Nathan Miles said the group had unanimously passed a protest motion.
“The budget is clearly not fair or equitable to all residents,” he said.
“Suburbs like Caroline Springs, Hillside, Taylors Hill, Burnside and Burnside Heights have been given next to nothing in new services, projects and capital works. Diggers Rest and Rockbank have been forgotten.”
The 2013-14 budget sets aside $36.5 million for capital works, including $8.9 million for road infrastructure, $17.5 million for community buildings and $4.1 million for recreational assets.
The group’s concerns include road resurfacing funding (down from $1.9 million to $1 million) and footpath replacement spending (down from $700,000 to $500,000).
Mayor Kathy Majdlik has encouraged residents to have their say on the budget. Written submissions close May 30. The budget will be voted on at a council meeting on June 11.
