By NATALIE GALLENTI
CITY of Melton residents are calling for a “fair go” as the council prepares to launch its 2013-’14 draft budget.
Residents have told Star keeping rates to a minimum should be a priority for the council.
Last year rates rose by 4.5 per cent while the 2011-’12 budget saw a modest rise of 3.3 per cent.
However not all residents have the same ideals when it comes to rates.
President of the Cambridge, Coburn, Watts Residents Association Nathan Miles said the groups’ biggest concern was the proposal by rural landowners to charge all residents the same rates, irrespective of where they lived and the magnitude of their property.
“So regardless of whether you own a one-bedroom flat in Melton or a 10-bedroom and five-bathroom home in Rockbank … you are expected to pay the same rates,” Mr Miles said.
Mr Miles said the council could reduce rates but still provide appropriate services.
“We seem to be paying more for everything but getting less in return.”
Chairperson of Melton Rural Property Owners Group Androulla Touvanna supported the proposal to make rates the same for all residents.
“Why should we be punished for the improvements we made to our homes … because we take pride in our homes?” Ms Touvanna asked.
She said MRPOGI was after “fair and just” rates and ratepayers should not be forced to pay an “arbitrary figure” decided on by the council.
Melton Residents Association vice-president David Axon called for traffic lights at the Ferris Rd intersection and a bridge at Abey Rd. He also said the beautification of the town centre and improvements to the railway station car park were important.
Mr Axon said the installation of CCTV in and around Melton’s CBD was a priority for the group.
“We need to bring the vandals in and make them pay to remove it (graffiti),” Mr Axon said.
“Why don’t we spend money installing CCTV as a deterrent?”
Melton City councillors told Star priorities in the upcoming budget would include keeping rates to a minimum and continuing to provide appropriate infrastructure for a growing community.
Mayor Kathy Majdlik said another aquatic centre in the municipality should be a priority for the upcoming budget, along with piloting a youth council and introducing another Men’s Shed program.
Cr Lara Carli said a greater focus on support groups was something she would continue to strive for and hoped to see in the next budget.
Cr Carli called for an awards ceremony for children with a disability and support groups for mothers dealing with miscarriages or stillbirth, women experiencing domestic violence and grandparents.
Both Cr Sophie Ramsey and Cr Bob Turner said improvements to Melton South Community Centre were important, along with providing additional sporting facilities like a Little Athletics track and hockey field.
