Michaela Meade and Oliver Lees
A record spend on capital works is the centrepiece of Hume council’s draft 2021-22 budget.
Councillors unanimously adopted the draft budget last week, which includes a $111 million capital works program and an average rate rise of 1.5 per cent, in keeping with the state government’s cap on rate increases.
Cr Jarrod Bell said the record spend was timely.
“This draft budget continues the amazing work of past councils of investment and critical projects, and on the delivery and expansion of services,” he said.
“[The budget is] a declaration to our city, to our community, and to our people of what matters and what is important, and what will make a difference.
“This budget confirms council’s commitment to ensuring that we will always provide the services our community depends on… deserves, and… expects.
“Ours is a story of a positive city, a hopeful city, a city that chooses to commit to meeting the needs of today, and preparing for the demands of tomorrow.
“It is something that we can all be proud of.”
According to council, the draft budget includes funding for 150 “shovel ready” projects.
Notably for Sunbury residents, this includes $25.88 million for the development of a multi-deck carpark on the corner of Station Street and Evans Street and $6 million for the Jackson Hill Arts and Cultural precinct.
Cr Bell said both of these projects were well overdue.
“Even as a child I remember hearing about the need for more and better parking and this multi-deck carpark has been a part of that discussion for decades,” he said.
“The Sunbury community’s been calling for a dedicated hometown to our fantastic arts community.”
But Cr Trevor Dance said he was concerned about the 1.5 per cent rate rise.
“It’s not what ratepayers want,” Cr Dance said.
“I think we can do better.”
Cr Jack Medcraft said: “[Hume council is] the envy of every other municipality in Melbourne thanks to a long track record of responsible and sustainable financial management.
“We’re getting on with and getting stuff done, building projects and delivering services that matter to our residents and businesses.”
Cr Jarrod Bell said the draft budget told a “dynamic [and] exciting… story”.
“[The budget is] a declaration to our city, to our community, and to our people of what matters and what is important, and what will make a difference,” he said.
“This budget confirms council’s commitment to ensuring that we will always provide the services our community depends on… deserves, and… expects.
“Ours is a story of a positive city, a hopeful city, a city that chooses to commit to meeting the needs of today, and preparing for the demands of tomorrow.
“It is something that we can all be proud of.”
The draft budget is open for public feedback until Tuesday, May 25.
