Monash Council will spend $61.9 million in its 2021/22 budget on significant upgrades to community facilities and core services to improve local areas.
Council will also extend, for a second year (until 30 June 2022), the option for businesses and homeowners to defer their rate payment with zero interest applied as a way of supporting the Monash community from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Council will also waive the annual permit fees for footpath dining areas until 30 June 2022 to assist traders who have been severely impacted by COVID lockdowns and closures.
Monash Mayor Brian Little said the budget reflected community feedback on priorities for the year ahead and endorsed Council's focus on infrastructure improvements to boost community amenity, local neighbourhoods and activity centres.
A highlight of the 2021/22 budget is a new $26.7M 18-court public tennis centre to be constructed in Glen Waverley on land adjacent to the Glen Waverley Golf Course. The Glen Waverley Sports Hub is being developed with $21M in funding from the State Government, and $5.7M from Council. After considerable community consultation and input, design work on the new centre is about to get underway.
Council will undertake concept and schematic design of the Glen Waverley Civic Precinct Project, incorporating an expanded library, civic hall, work space and improved public plaza on the site of the current Glen Waverley library.
Council has also allocated funding towards the Carbon Zero project which will see the implementation of the actions endorsed under the Zero Net Carbon Action Plan and progress Council to be carbon neutral by 2025. Two new public toilets will be constructed at Galbally Reserve and Holmesglen Reserve.
Highlights of the overall Capital Works program in 2021/22:
- $16.4M for building works
- $11.8M for plant & equipment, including $5.9M for computers and telecommunications
- $3.3M for plant and fleet renewal
- $9.3M for recreational, leisure and community facilities
- $9.9M for road works
- $6.2M for footpath and cycleways renewal
- $4.2M for parks, open spaces and streetscapes and
- $2.7M for drainage.
The budget has been developed in line with the rate cap of 1.5 per cent as declared by the Minister for Local Government.
Mayor Brian Little said the impact of COVID-19 on residents and the reinvigorating of local neighbourhoods was a key focus of this year's budget.
"What you have told us, and what has clearly resonated with you from the periods in lockdown, is the importance of local neighbourhoods. It's the freedom to get out and into green spaces, to enjoy activity centres and playspaces, and spend time in community spaces close to home," Cr Little said.
"To this end we are making infrastructure improvements that reflect the community's priorities and continue the growth, prosperity and sustainability of Monash."
Monash continues to have the lowest average rates on a per capita basis of all 79 Victorian Councils.
This year the recycling and waste levy, a service charge introduced to meet increased costs in recycling and in the State Government's landfill levy, will increase from $27 to $42. The impact of the State Government's ban on e-waste going to landfill and the need to secure e-waste processing contracts has also contributed to the increased cost.
Eligible pensioners continue to receive a $50 rebate on their rates and will be provided with a full waiver on the recycling and waste levy ($42).
