MELTON residents are being urged to have their say at next month’s budget submissions hearing following a “small” turnout at public meetings held last week.
Residents association president Peter Rowan said ratepayers should take advantage of the chance to have their say on council’s draft budget, which outlines an average rates increase of 4.5per cent.
As reported by the Weekly, the council says more than 20per cent of households will pay less on rates and charges than in 2011-12, while 58per cent will see a moderate rise of up to $100 and 12per cent will have an increase of between $100 and $200. A new differential rating category of rural living has been introduced for properties of more than two hectares and less than 10 hectares. The new rural rating category will affect 266 properties whose average value this year was $651,750 compared to $592,345 in 2010 – an increase of 10per cent.
Mr Rowan said there wasn’t a great deal of input or question time last week, but the group would make submissions before the July 12 deadline. “I spoke again on behalf of the association about the construction of Abbey Road and public access to the Melton Weir. The two issues were ignored last year and it looks like they will be ignored again this year.”
The draft budget includes $45.9million for capital works. There are allocations of $2.1million for community buildings, $11.3million for road infrastructure works, $8.4million for recreation works, and $1million for drainage improvements. Major projects include completion of Melton Library and Learning Hub ($15.4million), Botanica Springs Children’s and Community Centre ($3million), and Atherstone Recreation Reserve ($2.9million).
Council chief executive Kel Tori said issues raised by residents last week included recreation facilities, roads, footpaths, respite care and rates and charges. The council had so far received four written submissions to the budget. Residents will be able to make their submissions to councillors orally on July 12.
