By XAVIER SMERDON
ROAD congestion and poor sporting facilities will be tackled with the release of Wyndham Council’s latest budget.
The 2013-2014 proposed budget includes a $91.9 million capital works program, which will be partly funded by a 5.5 per cent average residential rate rise.
The redevelopment of the Wyndham Leisure and Events Centre and the Werribee Sports and Fitness Centre will also be started at a cost of more than $39 million.
More than $47 million will also be spent on improving Wyndham’s roads and pavements, with key projects including the construction of a middle ring road on Armstrong Rd in Wyndham Vale, a Sayers Rd North-South connecter and an upgrade of the intersection of Forsyth Rd and Sayers Rd.
Following an influx of complaints from residents about Wyndham’s growing traffic woes, the council will also establish a Congestion Campaign fund.
Wyndham Mayor Heather Marcus said it was hoped the fund would allow the council to take issues surrounding an increase of traffic into its own hands, with $1 million already being placed into the fund.
“Wyndham residents have made it loud and clear that they wanted council to address traffic and transport related issues and this budget proposes more than $1.17 million be spent on new initiatives including the traffic congestion campaign,” Cr Marcus said.
The council is also keen to see Wyndham improve its standing in the tourism ranks, announcing two new events in the municipality.
The Wyndham Garden Show will be held at the State Rose Garden and will hopefully serve to expand the city’s events program and attract more visitors to the area.
A food and wine event will also be held at Werribee Park if the budget is approved.
It will feature exhibitions, tastings, main stage entertainment, master classes and family friendly activities.
According to the budget paper, the council’s long term goal is to see the event become an iconic, annual occurrence.
Both events will cost just under $40,000 for the council to host.
“This year’s Budget provides infrastructure for our municipality’s rapidly expanding population, while demonstrating the necessary restraint to ensure our long-term financial sustainability in light of the current economic climate,” Cr Marcus said.
Public submissions regarding the budget must be made by 5pm on Wednesday 12 June.
For more information visit www.wyndham.vic.gov.au
