Hume council’s efforts to wipe out almost $30 million in debt should be held up as an example to other levels of government, a Sunbury-based councillor believes.
But the town’s longest-running residents association has expressed disappointment that little has been done to alleviate carparking and traffic congestion problems plaguing central Sunbury.
Endorsing the council’s draft 2016-17 budget, which was released to the public during a meeting at Sunbury Civic Centre last Monday night, Cr Jack Medcraft said Hume should be the benchmark for other councils.
‘‘There’s been a lot of hard work to get there,’’ he said. ‘‘I reckon we should send our manifesto to the state and federal governments to show them proper financial management.’’
As reported by Star Weekly, the council’s $218.88 million draft budget proposes an average rates increase of 2.5 per cent, which is in line with the state government’s new cap.
The council’s decision to pay back $25.95 million of debt early will save $5.5 million in net interest across 10 years.
Sunbury’s councillors welcomed money allocations for long-awaited projects such as a $4 million heated rehabilitation pool at the aquatic centre, $2 million for planning for a global learning centre in Macedon Street, and $800,000 for new clubrooms at the lawn tennis club.
A total of $74.10 million has been slated for new infrastructure across the municipality, including more carparking at Boardman Reserve and additional improvements to Sunbury’s town centre.
Money to widen sections of Wildwood Road in Wildwood and upgrade Bourke Street, Bulla, is part of a $10.24 million allocation for roads projects.
But Sunbury Residents Association president Bernie O’Farrell feared the town had again been treated like a ‘‘poor cousin’’.
‘‘There’s nothing to improve carparking in the CBD and nothing regarding a third railway crossing, which would go a long way to easing the congestion that’s choking the town,’’ he said.
Cr Jack Ogilvie said there were signs that long years of advocacy by the three Jacksons Creek ward councillors were paying off.
‘‘We haven’t had a lot of development [over the years],’’ he said.
‘‘But the global learning centre, that’s something Cr [Ann] Potter and I have been pushing for for many years.’’
Cr Ogilvie also began advocating for a warm- water hydrotherapy pool about eight years ago, well before he had a stroke in 2015. He said the pool would be a great addition to the ward. ‘‘It’s going to really benefit a lot of people.’’
Cr Medcraft said money to finish upgrades to O’Shanassy Street was also welcome.
‘‘O’Shanassy Street is a perfect example of good planning,’’ he added.
Submissions on the draft budget close on June 8. The council will meet to adopt its budget on June 27.
