Continued investment in the construction of the Hume Global Learning Centre on Macedon Street is Sunbury’s big ticket item in Hume council’s 2018-19 budget.
The council said it will not pull back on funding Sunbury projects, despite the state Liberal party saying it would remove Sunbury from the Hume municipality if it won the state election.
Mayor Geoff Porter said the council was going ahead with “business as usual” despite the potential change.
A total of $5.66 million has been allocated in Hume’s draft budget for the upcoming financial year to continue building the $19 million global learning centre.
Another $1.32 million has been allocated for building the centre’s carpark. The centre is expected to be up and running next year.
The council plans to put $1.12 million towards the $4.12 million master plan for Sunbury’s McMahon Recreation Reserve.
A start will be made on a $1 million redevelopment of Galaxyland Regional Playspace, at Betula Terrace in Sunbury, with $400,000 allocated for the project in 2018-19.
Jacksons Creek Ward residents nominated traffic and parking as the top priority for Hume council in a recent community survey.
Mayor Geoff Porter said the council had been advocating for the state and federal governments to duplicate Sunbury Road and Bulla Bypass.
Palmer Road is set for reconstruction as part of the draft budget.
“We are meeting our end of the deal to maintain and upgrade our roads,” Cr Porter said.
According to the draft budget, Hume rates will increase by 2.25 per cent, the maximum permitted under the government-imposed rate cap.
The draft budget was expected to be adopted by Hume council on Monday, April 30, after Star Weekly went to print.
Budget feedback can be submitted to the council until May 30.
