Kingston Draft Budget focuses on high-quality services and facilities
Kingston Council has released a Draft Budget for 2021–2022 which prioritises delivering a broad range of high-quality services and maintaining vital infrastructure, while investing in exciting new projects that will help to strengthen our community.
Mayor Steve Staikos said the proposed draft budget will continue to build a strong, connected Kingston community.
"This budget enables us to continue to deliver all the essential services our community expects while also investing $74.4 million in new projects across our city," said Cr Staikos.
"This Draft Budget has been carefully developed to ensure our community has access to well-maintained quality infrastructure, that our local sports clubs are supported, accessibility upgrades continue to be rolled out across the municipality and our children have access to quality early years learning."
Cr Staikos said Council had worked hard to deliver a financially responsible budget and is well-placed to meet the Victorian Government's rate capping policy of 1.5%.
The Draft Budget's $74.4 million capital works program focuses on delivering a wide range of projects and initiatives to promote an active, healthy and supported community, future-proof sites and encourage participation. These include the construction of new sports pavilions at:
- Souter Reserve in Dingley ($2.45 million)
- GR Bricker Reserve in Moorabbin ($2 million),
- Aspendale Sports Ground Pavilion ($1.8 million), and
- Chadwick Reserve in Dingley ($2.7 million)
This year's budget also includes $1.8 million towards the construction of a pavilion at Roy Dore Reserve in Carrum, as part of a $9 million commitment to overhaul the precinct.
"One of the major projects we're investing in, is the redevelopment of the Mentone Life Saving Club and precinct," said Cr Staikos. "We've allocated $11.8 million in this budget towards the $14.5 million project which will future-proof this well-used community asset and enable everyone to access our beautiful Mentone foreshore area."
Council has also allocated funding to develop a new regional playground at Peter Scullin Reserve in Mordialloc.
"We're also continuing to invest in Council's long-held commitment to create a Chain of Parks in our Green Wedge through projects like the creation of a new park for the community at Elder Street South Reserve in Clarinda," Cr Staikos said.
The Draft Budget features provisions to improve the accessibility of the city's Scout and Girl Guides Halls and renewal of Kingston's footpaths, roads and drainage networks. These vital works are part of Council's ongoing and significant investment in community asset renewal.
Have your say on the Draft 2021–2022 Budget
The community is invited to take part in an online public information webinar about the Draft Budget from 12–1pm on Wednesday 19 May.
A public information session will also be held at Council's Cheltenham offices at 1230 Nepean Highway on Wednesday 26 May, 6–7pm. Visit yourkingstonyoursay.com.au/202122budget to register.
The Draft Budget can also be viewed at Council's Customer Service Centres, at your local library and online at kingston.vic.gov.au
Written submissions on the Draft Budget are invited by 5pm, Thursday 3 June via:
- online by visiting yourkingstonyoursay.com.au/202122budget
