Eddie Russell
Melton council adopted its 2024-25 budget at its June 24 meeting, injecting a further $3 million into its capital works program.
Initially slated for $220 million, the capital works program will now be $223.1 million.
The extra money will be attributed to footpaths and cycleways, recreational, leisure, and community facilities, and the upgrade of Bulmans Road in Melton West.
The 2024-25budget focused on investing in roads ($70.7 million), recreational, leisure and community facilities ($61.5 million), footpaths and cycleways ($13.1 million), park upgrades open space and streetscape improvements ($6.5 million), and bridges ($1.7 million).
Highlights of the capital works program include $17.8 million for Mt Atkinson East Sports Reserve, $11.9 million to complete the upgrade of Bulmans Road in Melton West, and $10.6 million for construction of the Bridge Road Community Hub.
Children’s and Community Centres in Weir Views and Aintree will receive $8.3 million each.
More than $25 million will be poured into the suburb of Plumpton, with $14.6 million for the Plumpton Community Centre and Neighbourhood House and $9.7 million to finalise the design and commence early work on the Plumpton Aquatic and Leisure Centre.
Melton mayor Kathy Majdlik said the budget was aimed at delivering the necessary projects for all people of Melton.
“We live in one of Australia’s fastest growing Council areas, so it’s more important than ever to deliver the high-quality infrastructure, programs, and services our community needs to thrive,” she said.
Cr Majdlik thanked locals for shaping the budget with their contributions.
“Feedback from our residents helps us to deliver a budget that is fair, sustainable and strikes the right balance between keeping the cost of living down while delivering better services for a growing community.”
From the 16 community submissions provided in April, 10 projects were funded.
The average rate increase is 2.75 per cent.
