Residents are being asked for their feedback on a draft budget that Brimbank council administrators say is “difficult but responsible”.
The council released its 2015-16 draft budget at last week’s meeting, including $92million for several large-scale developments and proposing a 4.8 per cent rate rise for residential properties. Commercial and vacant land will be slugged with a six per cent hike.
Brimbank administrative chairman John Watson said he was pleased the residential rate increase fell short of the original forecast of six per cent.
Keilor Downs resident Margaret Giudice said a low rate increase may mean a higher one next year.
“It will be very interesting to see how things go when rate capping comes in next year. Council will have to balance [this] with the millions to be given to the civic centre.”
Mr Watson said some savings measures had been taken to manage the future impact of rate capping.
“Council has made a conscious decision to identify additional savings in the current budget. These savings amount to around $1.9 million and include materials, environmental efficiencies and other items.”
The draft budget features a $92 million capital works program, which includes finishing the Brimbank community and civic centre and new Sunshine library, the Errington Community and Performing Arts Centre, and a Keilor basketball and netball stadium revamp.
“Council’s vision for Brimbank to be regarded as the dynamic centre of the west has been a constant driver in our approach to infrastructure and public realm improvements,” Mr Watson said.
He said the new community and civic centre would mean cost savings over the long term.
“It will provide the community with a high quality, innovative and engaging library and learning centre, as well as extensive and much- needed community meeting spaces,” he said.
At the same meeting, Brimbank council awarded a contract valued at more than $7 million for the Errington community centre’s long-awaited redevelopment.
The contract was awarded to Devco Project & Construction Management for works including construction of a second storey and upgrades to halls, meeting and activity spaces and kitchens.
A 200-seat performing arts centre will also be included, along with a civic entry plaza, landscaping and other site improvements.
Budget submissions are due by May 28.
Details: www.brimbank.vic.gov.au
