By Denise Deason
WYNDHAM City Council adopted the 2007-08 budget, confirming the four per cent rate rise for property owners, at a special meeting last week.
The rate rise has been defended on the basis of being below the state average, whereas the $60 million capital works program is one of the largest in Victoria.
Councillor Cynthia Manson described the council’s financial management as “astute.”
“The rates in some of our neighbouring councils have risen by up to eight per cent,” she said.
Councillor Henry Barlow said councillors were custodians for the community in what was a very high-growth municipality.
“We have close to a billion dollars in assets and an estimated budget revenue for the coming year of more than $165 million,” he said.
“That’s absolutely massive.
“If we were a company listed on the stock exchange, we would be a very large business indeed.”
The mayor, Shane Bourke, said it was “a wonderful budget.”
“We’re going to be extremely proud of it and the works which will be taking place in our city,” he said.
Major capital works programs include:
•The completion of the $3.58 million Tarneit Community Centre.
•The continuation of works on the $7.8 million Wyndham Community Facility construction and the $14.7 million civic centre redevelopment.
•More than $19 million to be spent on roads and pavements.
•The $191,000 stage three of the construction of the Werribee 50 metre Olympic outdoor pool.
Several submissions from the community resulted in more projects being funded.
The Werribee Softball Association will receive $20,000 for improvements at Presidents Park.
The council will contribute $130,000 towards upgrading the seating and terracing at Chirnside Park, with the Werribee Football Club funding the remaining $65,000.
A feasibility study for the establishment of a Victorian science and technology discovery centre has been allocated $30,000.
The Quantin Binnah Community Centre will receive an ex gratia $76,000 grant to meet costs incurred by the centre for its recent extension.
