By Oscar Parry
Melton council’s proposed $225.8 million capital works program for 2025-26 is “one of the largest” undertaken by any Victorian council, according to mayor Steve Abboushi.
Council endorsed its draft 2025-26 budget during the May 26 council meeting, releasing it for community consultation for two weeks.
The draft budget proposes an average rate rise of 3 per cent – in line with the state government’s cap on rates increases. Council said this equates to about $1.05 extra per week per ratepayer, and more than half of residents will see an increase less than that.
Highlights of the proposed capital works program include $45.3 million for the construction of the Cobblebank Community Services Hub, $27.8 million to start construction on the Plumpton Aquatic and Leisure Centre, $8.4 million for the Weir Views Children’s and Community Centre and $7.6 million for the Deanside Community Centre and Neighbourhood House.
The draft budget included $35.8 million towards road and bridge infrastructure, $95.7 million towards building improvements, $15.2 million to footpaths and cycleways, and $12.3 million to parks, open space and streetscapes.
Cr Abboushi said the budget is was grounded in extensive community consultation, and included 17 initiatives, totalling $3.6 million, from community submissions.
“With a bold $225.8 million capital works program – one of the largest undertaken by any local government in Victoria – this budget delivers real and lasting value for our residents,” he said.
Cr Lara Carli said the draft budget responds to “unprecedented growth” of the municipality with “quality service provision and major project delivery”.
Cr Ashleigh Vandenberg requested the addition of traffic treatments, such as a roundabout, at the intersection of Taylors Road and Barnards Road in Bonnie Brook.
This addition was declined by Cr Carli who moved the adoption of the draft budget, with the council then voting in favour of Cr Carli’s original motion.
The draft budget forecasts a surplus of $302.2 million dollars, but according to the council, this amount is already allocated to future projects.
The final budget is set to be adopted at the June 23 council meeting.
