Brimbank residents can look forward to a new civic centre, performing arts space and an upgraded St Albans Leisure Centre as part of works beginning this financial year.
The council formally adopted its 2014-15 budget at last week’s meeting. The budget includes several large-scale developments and road, drain and footpath works across the city.
Council chairman John Watson said it was always difficult to strike the right balance when preparing a budget.
But he believed this year’s offering was a responsible, sustainable and transparent budget that responded to community needs.
Mr Watson said highlights included the $6.2 million redevelopment of the Errington Community Centre, which will include a new performing arts complex.
“The budget demonstrates a commitment to enhancing the social and physical infrastructure of our city through a capital works program of $65.7 million, while having a plan in place to maintain stability of the city’s finances and ensure rates are predictable going forward,” he said.
“Council is also looking forward to progressing the Keilor Community Hub, developing the Deer Park village activity centre master plan and commencing planning for
an upgrade of St Albans Leisure Centre in Keilor Downs.”
Ratepayers will be slugged an average of 6.65 per cent more in 2014-15, with similar rates increases forecast for coming years. The council’s draft rating strategy proposes increases of 6 per cent in 2015-16, 6 per cent in 2016-17 and 5 per cent every year from 2017-18 to 2023-24.
Corporate services director Doris Cunningham said a ratepayer with a residential property valued at $383,000 could expect to pay $1408 in 2014-15, including municipal and environmental charges.
Brimbank chief executive Bill Jaboor said the council tried to keep rates at an affordable level while addressing the city’s infrastructure backlog.
A $21 million new civic centre in Sunshine is among the big ticket items in this year’s budget.
Construction on the centre, which will include the new Sunshine library, will start in September. The centre is expected to open in mid-2016.
The council has also allocated $500,000 for an upgrade of Hampshire Road from Dickson Street to Devonshire Road, $1.8 million for a street lighting changeover and $400,000 for updates to early learning centres.
Sporting clubs are also big winners in this year’s budget, with $5.28 million for sporting facilities, including three new courts at Keilor Basketball Stadium.
