Consultation on Kingston Council’s draft budget closes this Friday.
KINGSTON Council’s draft budget projects a $1.2 million surplus. It reveals that average rates and municipal charges are expected to increase by 3.5 per cent.
The 2023/2024 draft budget features a $53 million capital works budget. Council has set aside $7.6 million for road improvements, $4.8 million for stage two works on a Dingley Village community hub, $4.4 million for a new pavilion at Regents Park in Aspendale, and $4 million towards the planned aquatic centre in Mordialloc.
Kingston mayor Hadi Saab said that the budget was “informed by over 160 community submissions.”
“Like you, I want a Kingston we can be proud of. Our community vision strives for resilience, inclusivity, and diversity, and aims to build the most liveable and sustainable city in Victoria and this budget will ensure our community services can help this vision become reality,” Saab said. “Among these are at-home care for the elderly and those with disabilities, delivered meals programs, childhood immunisations, maternal and child health support, senior citizen centres and much more. To secure the strongest future for our littlest residents we will also continue to invest in our kindergartens, provide facilitated playgroups and administer central kinder registration for more than 3000 Kingston families.
“Among the key issues raised via Talking Kingston [consultation] so far are shopping strip revitalisations, foreshore enhancements, playground and open space improvements and climate action and we are investing in all of these. We are also continuing our investment in building a more sustainable Kingston by rolling out urban cooling projects, planting 4,500 trees, environmental efficiency upgrades and new solar initiatives.”
Submissions on the draft budget close at 5pm on 12 May. To view the draft budget and submit your view visit yourkingstonyoursay.com.au/2324budget
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 9 May 2023