By Tate Papworth
Brimbank council is upbeat about its 2019-20 budget.
Brimbank mayor Lucinda Congreve said the budget, adopted by the council last week, covered a number of initiatives and would deliver a win for ratepayers even as rate revenue increases by 2.5 per cent.
“The vast majority of residential ratepayers – 72 per cent – will receive a reduction in their rates for 2019-2020 financial year,” she said. “As a community-first council, we are delivering a budget that focuses on improving our city, investing in our built and natural environments and supporting our community to have the best possible quality of life.”
The budget has allocated $71.6 million for capital works projects.
In total, $29.6 million will be put towards road and footpath improvements, $16.8 million into sports facilities upgrades, $5.4 million for town centre upgrades and $4.9 million for parks, playgrounds and open space improvements.
A further $2.9 million will be allocated for sustainability projects and $1.7 million will be used for bike and walking paths.
The budget also includes $2.2 million for the redevelopment of the St Albans Leisure Centre, with further funding for construction to be allocated in the 2020-21 budget.
“Importantly, the budget also includes funding to develop the St Albans Health and Wellbeing Hub in Keilor Downs,” Cr Congreve said.
“Council is proud to get this project under way, with investment to continue in 2019-2020 and subsequent funding in the Long Term Financial Plan.”
The budget includes $36,000 for the council’s plan to rid Brimbank of illegal brothels.
Under the plan, investigators will be employed to enter alleged illegal establishments with the intent of gathering evidence that proves sexual services are being provided.
