By Yasemin Talat and Helen Grimaux
It’s ‘‘business as usual’’ for Sunbury, according to Hume council after it delivered its proposed budget for 2014-15 last night.
Mayor Casey Nunn said the council would continue to ensure vital Sunbury projects were getting the funds they needed for as long as the area remained part of Hume.
“We still represent Sunbury. I am their mayor, so anything we can do, we will do,” Cr Nunn said.
Cr Nunn said the 2014-15 budget was “one of the best delivered in Hume’s history”.
Citing a relatively modest average rates increase of 4.2 per cent, plus a 0.3 per cent Environment Protection Authority levy per household, Cr Nunn said the budget was prudent but would not jeopardise service levels.
“Ratepayers face increases in electricity, gas and water bills, and a rise in food, petrol and other living expenses,’’ she said.
‘‘We know it can be tough for some families.”
The budget proposes extra investment of $6.65 million next financial year to deliver more than 32 community services.
This brings the annual services spend to $199.7 million.
An additional $46.7 million will cover more than 200 building projects listed in the council’s capital works program, including a feasibility study for a new Sunbury arts and cultural precinct.
Funding was also allocated for the redevelopment of Sunbury’s Clarke Oval pavilion and upgrades to the Gladstone Park community centre and tennis club; Broadmeadows Valley Park; and Jack Roper, Tullamarine and Newbury recreation reserves.
“The whole city is really well serviced,” Cr Nunn said.
“We’ve really listened to the community and what it wants.”
The council will provide more than $900,000 over the next three years for Together 3047, a program to support projects developed in co-operation with residents and businesses to create work and training opportunities.
The project is designed to address long-term disadvantages faced by residents of postcode 3047, including Broadmeadows, Westmeadows, Jacana and Dallas.
“It is our responsibility as council to provide real opportunities to assist members within our community,” Cr Nunn said.
The proposed budget and council plan
were released for public feedback following last night’s council meeting. Submissions close June 11.
