Sunbury residents are the big winners in Hume council’s “biggest ever spend on infrastructure”.
Funding for a global learning centre, warm water pool at Sunbury Aquatic and Leisure Centre and a multi-million dollar overhaul of McMahon Recreation Reserve have been included in the council’s 2017-18 budget.
The council recently signed off on the $79.8 million budget and the 2017-2021 Council Plan.
Mayor Drew Jessop said the budget was the council’s “biggest ever spend on infrastructure” and offered “some really significant investments in Sunbury”.
“There are some really positive, big-ticket assets coming to Sunbury over the next two to three years,” Cr Jessop said.
“It will be an interesting time for Sunbury people.”
In the next year, $7.5 million will be spent on the $19 million Hume Global Learning Centre on Macedon Street, next to Sunbury’s existing library. Building is expected to start early next year and the centre should be open in the 2018-19 financial year.
Cr Jessop said the centre, which will provide spaces for study, library services, exhibitions, conference and meeting areas would be a great addition to the town.
“Similar ones that have been built in Broadmeadows and Craigieburn have had significant impacts.”
The council has allocated $1.6 million to start the $4.1 million Sunbury McMahon Recreation Reserve master plan which will include extending the building, construction of a playground, second oval, carpark and netball court.
And $1.1 million will go towards building a warm water pool for rehabilitation and exercise this year as part of the $4.07 million Sunbury aquatic centre upgrade. The pool is expected to open to the public in mid-2018.
After public feedback, the council’s final budget included more funding for Sunbury’s Christmas on the Green Festival and the StreetLife Festival.
