Brimbank council will spend $28.35 million on building projects next financial year.
Big-ticket items included in a $70.2 million proposed capital works budget released last Tuesday night include $1.19 million for an Errington Community Centre redevelopment, $21 million for a new Brimbank Community and Civic Centre in Sunshine, and $500,000 for an upgrade of Hampshire Road from Dickson Street to Devonshire Road.
The council has also allocated $1.8 million for a street lighting changeover, $400,000 for updates to early learning centres, and $500,000 for cinema redevelopments at its Sunshine auditorium.
A total of $100,000 will be spent on art projects at various locations.
“These capital projects all contribute to council’s vision of making Brimbank the dynamic centre of Melbourne’s west,” council chairman John Watson said.
The council will channel $5.28 million into sports facilities, including three additional courts at Keilor Basketball Stadium
($3.7 million) and $100,000 to address a “marked increase in the rate of deterioration” of St Albans Leisure Centre. Sunshine Leisure Centre will also get $100,000 for ongoing upgrades.
Mr Watson said the budget highlighted the council’s versatility.
“If this was a company, they wouldn’t be able to manage the product range we have,” he said. “It’s a very large business.”
Employee costs will increase 6 per cent ($4.73 million), including $400,000 for new staff in administrative positions, a contaminated- land officer and a litter prevention officer.
Submissions to the council’s draft budget close June 18.
