SERVICES will not suffer despite the Labor state government rate cap coming into force this year according to Kingston Council.
Council has released its 2016-17 draft budget for community feedback before its formal adoption by councillors next month and mayor Cr Tamsin Bearsley says council’s financial prudence means council “is well-placed to respond to the Victorian government’s new rate capping policy which will see average rates rise by no more than 2.5 per cent”.
“We’re investing $56million to ensure our community has access to well-maintained quality infrastructure, that our local sports clubs are supported and that our children have access to quality early years learning,” Cr Bearsley said.
“Council has again worked hard to deliver a financially responsible and balanced budget.”
Major projects to be funded by ratepayers include:
- Major redevelopment of Mordialloc’s Ben Kavanagh Reserve with $1.4million allocated this year to commence work on a new double-storey pavilion and $360,000 for upgrades around the park.
- Progressing the long-awaited Bay Trail project to provide a shared walk and bike path from Mentone to Mordialloc. Council will contribute $265,000 in this year’s budget and has earmarked a total of $3 million over the next five years to deliver this important project.
- Construction of the new relocated Chelsea Preschool ($1.9million towards $2million project)
- 570,000 contribution in 2017/18 towards expansion at Chelsea Heights Kindergarten
- Playground upgrades totalling $630,000 including improvements at George Woods Playground, Keeley Park Playground and toddler play area at Peter Scullin Reserve
- $1million towards Moorabbin Reserve redevelopment (overall $4million Council contribution)
- $645,000 towards maintenance and upgrades at Waves and Don Tatnell Leisure Centres
- A $1.2million upgrade of the G R Bricker Reserve Athletics upgrade
- Increased funding for new sportsground lighting to $350,000 up from $220,000 annually.
- Supporting the transition away from landfill use in Kingston’s Green Wedge through a $2.2million investment to remediate and landscape the former landfill site in Elder St, Clarinda, a further $665,000 for remediation works at four sites (Spring Rd, Heatherton Park, Argyle Avenue and Deals Rd) plus $600,000 for other Green Wedge improvements.
- Protecting and enhancing the foreshore with more than $2.6million invested in projects including $500,000 towards Mentone Coastal Precinct Plan, $1m to complete the new $4m Mordialloc Life Saving Club and Aboriginal Gathering Centre plus $150,000 for a new carpark.
Roads and footpath repairs over the next 12 months will cost $8.1 million, drainage works $3million and streetlight replacements $1.5million.
“These vital works are part of Council’s ongoing and significant investment in community asset renewal,” Cr Bearsley said.
Kingston Council will host a public information session about the draft budget on Tuesday 10 May, 6pm at council’s Cheltenham offices at 1230 Nepean Highway.
The draft budget can also be viewed at council’s customer service centres, at Kingston libraries and online at kingston.vic.gov.au
Written submissions on the draft budget can be submitted before Friday 27 May, 5pm by email to info@kingston.vic.gov.au or mail to Manager Finance, Kingston City Council, PO Box 1000, Mentone, 3194.
A special Council meeting will be held on Monday 6 June to consider written submissions and residents can speak to their submissions at this meeting. The draft budget will be considered for formal adoption at a special council meeting on Tuesday 14 June.
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 4 May 2016