Tara Murray
Melton council is spending up big, with a $220 million capital works program revealed in its draft 2024-25 budget.
The council released the draft budget at last week’s council meeting.
With the Melton municipality now the fastest growing municipality in Australia, the council said the draft budget responds to massive growth with infrastructure investment.
In 2024-25, council is proposing to spend more than $70 million on roads, more than $60 million on recreational, leisure and community facilities, and nearly $11 million on footpaths and cycleways.
Rates will increase by an average of 2.75 per cent, in line with the state government’s rate cap.
Council’s proposed revenue from general rates and charges will increase to $190.8 million
Key projects to receive funding included the Mt Atkinson East Sports Reserve, which will receive $17.8 million, and $9.7 million to finalise design and begin early work on the Plumpton Aquatic and Leisure Centre.
Improvements to road infrastructure include $11.8 million to complete the upgrade of Bulmans Road, Melton West; $7.8 million to complete the signalised intersection at Caroline Springs Boulevard and Rockbank Middle Road, Caroline Springs; and $6.2 million for the upgrade of Troups Road South, Mount Cottrell.
Ten ideas raised by residents totalling $584,000 have been included in this year’s draft budget, including improvements to local parks, sports ground facility upgrades and funding for community activities and events.
Councillor Julie Shannon said the budget was a blueprint for the delivery of essential services, programs and infrastructure that play a critical role in building a healthy, sustainable, liveable and connected community.
Mayor Kathy Majdlik said they were investing $220 million to upgrade roads, facilities and parks to ensure the community remains a fantastic place to live, work and play.
“It’s set to deliver an outstanding mix of new leisure facilities, community buildings, major road upgrades, increased pathway connections, and so much more,” she said.
“Council is pleased to support our community’s ideas to the tune of more than $500,000, and I thank our residents for their input and ongoing feedback.”
Details: conversations.melton.vic.gov.au/draftbudget2425
