Delivering financial support to the community a key part of Kingston's Draft Budget
Kingston Council has released a Draft Budget for 2020 – 21 that prioritises financial relief for residents and local businesses impacted by COVID-19, continuing the support package announced in March.
Kingston Mayor Georgina Oxley said Council had worked very hard to deliver a budget that has something in it for everyone in Kingston during this unprecedented time.
"These are very tough and uncertain times and Council has been able to put together a draft budget that continues to provide vital financial support for our residents and businesses while also delivering essential services, infrastructure repairs and important major projects to improve community facilities," said Cr Oxley.
"To assist ratepayers in our community who are struggling, Council will extend the $112.20 Pensioner Rebate to ratepayers who are on the JobSeeker allowance and to businesses that are registered for the Federal Government JobKeeper payment scheme for the 2020/21 year."
In addition, no interest will be charged on overdue rates during 2020/21 and rates can also be deferred for payment until 30 June 2021.
Council will also continue to invest ratepayer funds to provide high-quality children's services, upgrade local Scout and Girl Guide Halls, roll-out library improvements and vital infrastructure including footpaths, roads and drainage
"We're continuing to invest in our beautiful foreshore as well, and ensuring our community has access to modern and well-maintained facilities, we're also making sure our environment is protected," Cr Oxley said.
The $65.9 million capital works Budget features a wide range of projects, services and initiatives to support our community.
Budget highlights
Investing in sport and recreation facilities including the Dolamore Reserve athletic track renewal, the Ben Kavanagh Reserve Master Plan and netball courts, the soon to be launched Aspendale Gardens Pavilion and sports field, upgrading Dingley's Chadwick Reserve, completing the final stage of the G.H. Soppet Pavilion Redevelopment in Mentone, and putting the finishing touches on the new Dales Park netball centre in Oakleigh South.
Major investment in important community facilities including improving Scout and Girl Guide Halls to ensure they are accessible to all and refurbishing the 5th Mordialloc Sea Scouts building.
Maintaining vital community infrastructure including spending $6.9 million on Kingston's roads and $0.7m on footpath repairs. Another $3.5 million will be spent on flood mitigation/drainage works.
Continuing to provide financial support Council will extend the its Pensioner Rebate to ratepayers who are on the JobSeeker allowance and to businesses that are registered for the Federal Government JobKeeper payment scheme for the 2020/21 year. No interest will be charged on overdue rates during 2020/21 and rates can also be deferred for payment until 30 June 2021, and payment arrangements are available.
Have your say on the draft budget
The draft Budget is available to view online at yourkingstonyoursay.com.au/202021budget. You can also register there for the online public information sessions on Wednesday 17 June 2020 at 6pm or Thursday 18 June at 12pm. Consultation closes Wednesday 24 June.
