Monash Council will boost core services with a focus on local neighbourhoods, shopping strips, drainage, footpaths and road improvements in the 2021/22 draft budget.
Council will embark on a $61.2M capital works program which includes design work on a $26.7M 18-court public tennis centre in Glen Waverley. The project has $21M in State Government funding with Council contributing $5.7M.
Council will also continue to provide support for ratepayers still feeling the financial impact of the pandemic with job losses or business closures, offering zero interest charged on approved rate and/or charge deferrals up until 30 June 2022.
Monash Council remains the metropolitan council with the lowest rates on a rate per assessment basis and the lowest rates for any council in the State on a per capita basis. In 2021/22, Council will raise its rate revenue by 1.5% in line with the State Government's rate cap, applying differential rating using Capital Improved Value (CIV) as the basis of valuation. Differential rates will apply to all rateable land.
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. This also reflects the State Government's ban on any e-waste going to landfill, triggering increased costs for Council.
Mayor Brian Little said Council would continue to provide eligible pensioners with a $50 rebate on their rates and a full waiver of the Recycling and Waste charge.
"In considering the Budget for 2021/22, we were aware that a number in our community are still feeling the effects of the pandemic and the financial impact of job losses or business closures. Extending the rate deferral provides some respite and relief for those impacted financially," Cr Little said.
"What you have told us over the past months, and what has clearly resonated with you from the long 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 around the local community.
"This has framed our thinking for this Budget which outlines details of proposed capital expenditure to improve and renew our valued facilities, reserves, play and leisure spaces, footpaths, roads and drains."
Projects in the 2021/22 draft budget include:
- Design work is underway on a new $26.7M 18-court public tennis centre in Glen Waverley, with $21 million in funding from the State Government and a $5.77M commitment from Council. It is planned to deliver this exciting project on an area zoned Public Park and Recreation that is adjacent to the Glen Waverley Golf Course, and includes the current limited distance golf driving range. The project will include a new pavilion, golf practice facilities and landscaping,
- Concept and schematic design for an upgraded Glen Waverley Civic Precinct Project, including a library, civic hall, work spaces and public plaza,
- Local Area Traffic Management Study for Hughesdale - to investigate both traffic management and parking issues in the Hughesdale area,
- An audit of local shopping strips in Monash to inform a priority list and general scope of works for future Budget programs,
- Developing a work model design to evaluate the way Monash Public Library Service will function, including the roles staff will play and the systems that will support them,
- A number of playspace upgrades,
- Sportsground lighting improvements,
- Carbon Zero project will see the implementation of the actions endorsed under the Zero Net Carbon Action Plan and progress Council to be carbon neutral by 2025.
Residents are invited to have their say on the draft budget. Information is available at www.monash.vic.gov.au/draft-budget-2021-22
