By NATALIE GALLENTI
MELTON City Council’s draft budget 2013/14 was supported at last week’s council meeting, but not before councillors entered into heated debate over the proposed increase in rates.
The major highlights of the council’s $168.5 million dollar draft budget include a four per cent increase in the level of rates and charges, a $36.5 million investment in capital works projects including $8.9 million for road infrastructure, $17.5 million for community buildings, and $4.1 million for recreational assets.
Average rates and charges, including waste management charge, per property will be $1735 for the 2013/14 year. A levy of $123 per property will be the municipal charge for the year.
Net new borrowings for the year will be $658,320, while capital expenditure will amount to $36.5 million.
Projects included in the budget are Botanica Springs Children’s and Community Centre, Western BACE, Athletics Facility and Pavilion – Bridge Road Reserve, Westwood Drive, Atherstone Children’s and Community Centre, Arnolds Creek Recreation Reserve and Pavilion, Diggers Rest Bowling Club upgrade works, Thoroughbred Estate Archer Drive Reserve development and development of a Men’s Shed at Morton Homestead.
Another significant inclusion is the re-instatement of the Environmental Enhancement Policy to land covered by approved precinct structure plans.
Pensioners will receive an extra $5 rebate, amounting to a total rebate of $45 for the year.
While the four per cent rates increase is the lowest rise since 2007/08, it still gained the ire of Cr Broden Borg and Cr Lara Carli.
At last week’s meeting both councillors opposed the draft budget claiming the increase would make life even more difficult for residents “doing it tough”.
Cr Borg said he would stay true to his election promise to cap rates and questioned the inclusion of a Men’s Shed in the eastern corridor of the municipality when one already existed in Melton.
Cr Carli described the budget as “mean spirited” and said it would put extra pressure on residents.
“Four per cent is a heavy burden … people can’t afford to pay their mortgage … and the $5 pensioner rebate, whoopee,” Cr Carli said.
“It’s not a fair and equitable budget.”
However mayor Kathy Majdlik described the draft budget as “responsible, prudent and sustainable” and said rates were the lowest they had been for almost a decade.
Cr Bob Turner said the draft budget was devised after months of planning by a committed council and questioned Cr Borg’s participation during meetings.
“I was very disappointed … I never saw you at one night of discussions,” Cr Turner said.
“We must work as a team … we worked hard for everybody. You have a lot of big ideas, but you need to work with us.”
Cr Sophie Ramsey said the draft budget was “definitely responding to the needs of the community” and put “township first and foremost”.
For more information or to view the draft budget document in full, contact the council’s customer service unit on 9747 7200 or inspect one of the display copies at the Civic Centre, Melton Library or Caroline Springs Library or visit www.melton.vic.gov.au
Submissions close 30 May.
