Melton council is divided after the release of its 2014-15 draft budget.
Tabled at last week’s council meeting, the draft was eventually passed after lengthy debate between councillors over a proposed 4.8 per cent overall rates hike.
The average rates and charges, including the waste management charge across all of the differential rating categories, are proposed to be $1745. For residential properties, the average rate will be $1569, including waste management charges.
Features of the draft budget include a $47.2 million investment in capital works projects, including $31.4 million for community buildings, $6.7 million for road, $5.5 million for recreational assets, and $2.2 million for replacing plant, equipment and furniture.
The council is also proposing to increase pensioner rebates from $45 to $60.
At last week’s meeting, Cr Broden Borg slammed the budget, saying the council needed to take a closer look at the services it was providing and whether they were all required.
“It’s unfair, it’s unjust and it will have a severe effect on the community,” Cr Borg said.
“Look at our demographics – first-home buyers, low socio-economic. Is it fair?”
Cr Lara Carli also voted against the draft budget, labelling it “outrageous” and “unfair”.
Cambridge, Coburn and Watts Residents Association president Nathan Miles said the draft budget was “disappointing” and claimed the rate increase was “not justified”.
Mayor Bob Turner described the budget as “fair”.
“We have been mindful to keep rates as low as possible in the face of the increasing costs of living while balancing the need for increased service delivery and community infrastructure,” Cr Turner said.
Chief executive Kelvin Tori said the “vast majority” of residents would accept the budget as it included new facilities, infrastructure and a range of services.
“It is a responsible budget that sets Melton up strategically,” Mr Tori said.
Residents can have their say on the draft budget by making a written submission by 5pm on May 28. The Section 223 Committee meeting to consider submissions will be held on June 10 from 7pm in the council chambers at Melton Civic Centre.
