Tara Murray
Funding for the Brimbank Aquatic & Wellness Centre headlines Brimbank council’s proposed 2021-22 capital works budget.
The council last week announced it’s draft budget, with a proposed capital works budget of $82.67 million.
The capital works budget is up from $73.4 million this financial year.
More than a third of the 2021-22 capital works budget will be directed to the Brimbank Aquatic & Wellness Centre.
The centre, which is the council’s marquee project, has been allocated more than $32.6 million.
Overall, $43.6 million has been allocated for sports facilities upgrades, including the already started More Park sports facility upgrades, and Green Gully Reserve Oval redevelopment.
There is $21 million allocated for roads, footpaths, traffic management, drainage upgrades, and pedestrian links.
Nearly $1.5 million will be spent to improve Foleys Road between Robinsons Road and Central Park Boulevard in Derrimut, while $1 million will be spent on Newbury Street, between Gould Street and Birchwood Boulevard in Deer Park.
There will be $7.3 million for suburban and local parks upgrades.
A new playground, including sculptural rope elements, swing set, balancing and climbing posts, nature play areas, trampolines and spinner, embankment slides, a sensory garden with musical instruments and a water play area, will be constructed at Keilor Park Recreation Reserve.
There will also be new barbecue facilities, a public toilet, a full court basketball-netball court and two fitness stations at the reserve.
The budget also proposes to spend $800,000 on library books and $3.6 million on new bike paths including the Sunshine Transport Precinct Activation program and Kororoit Creek Shared User Path.
Councillor Jae Papalia said the draft budget was “reflective” of Brimbank’s COVID-19 recovery.
“We heard a lot of our community being concerned about parks and gardens and trees during this pandemic and the budget is reflective of this, particularly the tree planting project which will increase our tree canopy,” she said.
Mayor Ranka Rasic said: “We will shape a better Brimbank through ongoing capital works investment and upgrading facilities and open spaces – so that we can continue to meet the needs of our rapidly growing community.
“These vital services and infrastructure improvements will help local economic recovery and ensure Brimbank remains a great place to live, work, play and visit.”
