RATEPAYERS face a ‘modest’ average rates increase of 4.5per cent under a draft budget endorsed by Melton Council.
Mayor Justin Mammarella said the 2012-13 budget released by councillors on Thursday was a “balanced” plan, designed to cater for ongoing population growth while taking into account cost of living pressures.
“If adopted by council, a 4.5per cent increase would put us at the lower end of the scale in rates increases compared to other municipalities in the western region, if not the greater metropolitan region.”
Melton Residents Association president Peter Rowan agreed the council had worked to keep rate rises as low as possible, considering the major infrastructure required in one of Australia’s fastest-growing shires.
But he said the group was disappointed that long-running calls for the construction of a bridge on Abbey Road, joining Brooklyn Road to allow direct access to Melton South from the freeway, was again ignored.
“We are a growing community and we need rate increases to fund major work in the shire,” Mr Rowan said.
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 between $0 and $100 and 12per cent will have an increase 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 living 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.
Rural properties of less than 2 hectares within the rural category will be placed in the general rates category.
An urban growth land rate will apply to 352 properties across an area where the average value of a property was $2.1million, compared to $1.5million in 2010 – an increase of 40per cent.
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).
Residents can have their say at public meetings on June 13 at the Melton Community Hall and June 14 at Caroline Springs Civic Centre. Both meetings are at 7pm.
