Wyndham Council last night endorsed its 2024-25 Annual Plan and Budget, which includes a $159.1 million Capital Works program.
Wyndham Mayor Cr Jennie Barrera said: “This Budget aims to finish what this Council started when we came to office four years ago.”
“The $159.1 million allocated to Capital Works aims to continue our massive infrastructure program, to keep connecting Wyndham residents, either by road, or through community, sporting and leisure facilities and open spaces.”
“We are proud to have delivered 250 capital works projects during this Council term, including $100 million in road upgrades, 15 new and upgraded sports facilities, seven community centres and 400 kilometres of new footpaths.”
“Reducing traffic congestion and improving road safety remains a key focus for Council, and in this Draft Budget we’re proposing to spend $11.6 million to improve, upgrade and repair local roads.”
“One of the key priorities is to build the Ison Road extension, which will connect residents in the west of Wyndham to the Princes Highway.”
“Wyndham City remains the fastest growing municipality in Australia – and while that brings many benefits, it also increases cost pressures.”
“Since the beginning of our term, the municipality has grown by 50,000 people to a population of just over 320,000 – an increase of more than 15 per cent in just four years.”
“Council believes this budget strikes the balance between being fiscally responsible while still delivering the infrastructure and services our community needs.”
“We also thank residents for providing us with feedback during the consultation process. A total of 108 contributions were received via Council’s online Community Engagement Platform, the Loop, and direct communications to Council, on our Draft Budget.”
“Public Exhibition Pop Up events were also held where Councillors and Council officers attended to talk about the proposed budget and answer any questions raised.”
“The feedback provided support for the strategic priorities contained within the budget as well as focus areas for consideration in future budget cycles and ongoing advocacy.”
Highlights of the Budget include:
- $12.2 million for Stage 1 construction works at the Tarneit North Community Precinct in Polly Parade, Tarneit
- $10.4 million for towards the implementation of the Manor Lakes North Masterplan, located at Holyoake Parade, Manor Lakes
- $9.2 million for Stage 1 works at Fortitude Drive Reserve in Truganina
- $28.5 million to maintain our parks, open spaces and streetscapes
- $11.7 million on library services
- $1.4 million on new library resources
- $16.7 million on Maternal Child and Heath Immunisation services
- $2.4 million on the Wyn-R Project: Reduction, Renewables, Resilience
- $2 million for Greening the Pipeline
- $6.5 million for the Cultural Centre Upgrade
- $7.5 million for Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the Jamieson Way Community Centre redevelopment in Point Cook
“The Budget includes funding for community grants totalling $1.4 million, putting more money in the hands of community groups and organisations to run programs and events that make a difference locally,” Cr Barrera said.
The State Government has set a rate cap of 2.75 per cent for the 2024-25 financial year.
“If residents are having difficulty paying their rates by the due date, they should contact 1300 023 411 to discuss options, including a payment plan,” Cr Barrera said.
