Melton council is planning to spend nearly
$80 million on infrastructure and sports projects, according to its 2018-2019 draft budget.
The draft, which is out for public feedback until April 27, reveals that rate increases are proposed to be capped at 2.25 per cent, in line with the state-government imposed cap, with council expecting to collect about $134 million from rates in the next financial year.
Among the big-ticket items are $25 million for recreational facilities, including $700,000 for a female changeroom upgrade program; $2.9 million on the design and construction of sports ovals, tennis and netball courts and a pavilion at Fraser Rise; and $2.7 million on the completion of the Caroline Springs Leisure Centre redevelopment and construction of a sub-regional tennis facility.
Another $17 million has been earmarked for roads. The most significant of those include $915,000 for the duplication of Hume Drive, $4.78 million for the Westwood Drive bridge, $3.151 million towards pedestrian level crossing upgrades at Hopkins, Troups, Leakes, Paynes, Mt Cottrell and Ferris roads, and $2.23 million on a sealed road resurfacing program.
Public art projects are expected to cost $90,000 and $450,000 has been set aside for installation of lighting around Lake Caroline and surrounds.
Melton’s rugby union and league clubs are in for a big win if a $5.9 million redevelopment of their home grounds at Macpherson Park Regional Reserve gets the nod.
Mayor Bob Turner said the draft budget demonstrated the council’s commitment to community priorities and high-quality programs, services and infrastructure.
He thanked the residents who attended community engagement sessions last year, saying their insights had been used to prepare a budget that is “fair, equitable and strives to ensure the timely delivery of infrastructure, programs and services for our community”.
The draft budget projects a surplus of
$9 million after adjusting for capital grants, developer contributions and gifted assets.
View the draft budget online at melton.vic.gov.au/budget1819
