An exciting vision for Maroondah has now been finalised after the adoption of two key documents that will serve our community in the years ahead.
At Council meeting on Monday 28 June, Councillors endorsed the Council Plan 2021-2025 and the 2021/22 Budget. This follows extensive consultation and work to prepare the documents. Together, the Plan and Budget establish our key directions and priority actions and set out how they will be achieved.
The Council Plan plays a vital role in shaping Maroondah's future over a four-year period, as it ensures the work and priorities set by Council align with the community's vision. It identifies both challenges and opportunities for our community at local and regional levels within the context of our long-term community vision Maroondah 2040 - Our future together. It also forms the basis for Council to make decisions regarding resources and priorities in response to community needs and aspirations, including how we will continue to deliver crucial community services, such as maternal and child health, immunisation; and social inclusion and wellbeing programs.
Highlights of the Adopted Budget 2021/22 include a Capital Works Program of $48.25 million, which features many infrastructure upgrades and planned construction works. In addition, funding for the COVID-19 Recovery Plan will assist our community to manage the impacts of the ongoing pandemic.
Maroondah Mayor, Councillor Kylie Spears, said the documents are critical to achieving our future vision, as they influence our services and priorities for our community.
"These are among our most important documents, which is why an incredible amount of work has gone into their development. Put simply, what we're saying to the community is 'this is what we're doing, why we're doing it and how we'll do it," Cr Spears said.
"The community has played a major role in informing the Council Plan and Adopted Budget, as have our key strategies and the Maroondah 2040 Community Vision. I would like to thank everyone who was involved in the various community consultation activities or provided their feedback on the draft documents. If you haven't already I encourage you to take the time to view them."
Our priority actions
The Council Plan prioritises actions over the next four years. Significant projects identified for delivery include:
- Implementation of the Maroondah COVID-19 Recovery Plan.
- Infrastructure upgrades to sporting facilities at Jubilee, Proclamation, Springfield, Cheong and Ainslie parks, and at Dorset Recreation and Silcock reserves
- Design and construction activity centre carparks in Croydon, Ringwood and Heathmont; and at Heatherdale Station
- Undertake a staged development of the Croydon Community Wellbeing Precinct.
- Implementation of various strategies related to sustainability and liveability in Maroondah
Capital works highlights
Council maintains assets including buildings, parks, bush reserves, playgrounds, roads, drainage pipes and more. In the Adopted Budget 2021/22, Council has allocated $48.25 million to ensure our assets continue to meet current and future needs.
These projects include:
- Improving accessibility at our facilities
- Road sealing and reconstruction works
- Footpath replacement works
- Stormwater and drainage renewal
- Sportsfield resurfacing and lighting
- Playground renewals and bridge replacement works in our reserves
COVID-19 Recovery Plan
The Adopted Budget 2021/22 includes funding for our COVID-19 Recovery Plan, which identifies key areas and actions on how we will support our community during the recovery. This includes partnerships formed with organisations that deliver community health services, family support, food relief and mental health support.
