By Laura Michell
A missing link in Sunbury’s road network and a multi-level carpark in Evans Street are just two of the local projects included in Hume council’s proposed 2020-21 budget.
Councillors adopted the draft budget last Monday, proposing to spend $106 million on capital works projects next financial year.
The draft budget includes an average rates rise of two per cent.
Cr Drew Jessop said the council is proposing to spend $1 million to extend Yirrangan Road in Jacksons Hill to Watsons Road, “finally”, while there are also plans to redevelop the former council offices in Macedon Street.
The draft budget also includes $6.3 million for new and upgraded pavilions at nine reserves including Sunbury’s Boardman Reserve and Langama Park.
The council is also planning to spend $3.87 million on the development and implementation of master plans at eight reserves including Mt Holden Reserve, Sunbury Park and McMahon Recreation Reserve.
Cr Leigh Johnson said there was $500,000 set aside for planning for the Evans Street carpark.
“I know without a doubt that the multi-deck carpark is something that the community of Sunbury have certainly been talking about for a long, long time … we look forward to seeing that take shape,” he said.
The council also plans to spend at least $5.5 million to help the community respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hume mayor Carly Moore said the budget was an investment in Hume’s growing community.
“We are moving ahead with the biggest infrastructure program in our history and boosting funding to essential day-to-day services to help respond to the impacts of the coronavirus,” she said.
The budget also flags more than 500 projects which will need to be completed over the next four years, including expanding the Hume Global Learning Centre at Broadmeadows and redeveloping the former Craigieburn Leisure Centre.
“It is an important time to continue to invest in our community, and that is why we have earmarked a record $430 million over the next four years to deliver more than 500 new capital works projects,” Cr Moore said.
Residents can have their say on the draft budget until June 10.
Details: hume.vic.gov.au
