Council releases Annual Report 2017/18

Council’s recently endorsed Annual Report 2017/18 is now available to view at Council’s service centres or can be .

Maroondah Mayor, Councillor Nora Lamont, said the Annual Report was designed to inform the community and stakeholders of Council’s performance during the 2017/18 financial year against the objectives and priorities outlined in the Council Plan 2017-2021 (Year 1: 2017/18).

“The Annual Report 2017/18 provides Council with an opportunity to showcase its activities, programs, budget and accomplishments over the past 12 months and share this with the community,” Cr Lamont said.

“During the 2017/18 financial year, Council made significant advances towards achieving the community’s strategic vision in terms of community services, environmental enhancement, economic development, infrastructure development, and civic administration and leadership,” she said.

“Highlighted throughout the report are many significant achievements, many of which were only possible because of successful partnerships with the community.”

Cr Lamont said the report also detailed some of the national and state awards, and formal recognition Council had received from Local Government and industry sectors for its work during the year.

“We are glad to be able to share these achievements with the wider community,” she said.

Cr Lamont said Council’s strong relationships with all levels of Government had again resulted in a number of funding partnerships to construct new facilities and undertake special projects that would benefit the community.

“Thanks to Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding contributions, the $16.5 million HE Parker multi-sports pavilion has begun to take shape. The Annual Report charts the significant planning that has gone into this spectacular community facility, including its environmentally sustainable design using high performance building fabrics that complements the natural landscape setting, and which ensures maximum retention and protection of surrounding native trees.

“We were proud to officially launch a new accessible playspace at Ringwood Lake Park. This has quickly become the city’s most popular destination for families, and was supported by a $100,000 Victorian Government grant.

“Council has also formally adopted a new Gambling Policy, which outlines our commitment to reducing the harmful effects of problem gambling, especially within our most vulnerable communities. The Maroondah Gambling Policy 2018, which replaces our 2007 policy was developed in close consultation with the community and will ensure that Council’s work in this area reflects current local community needs and attitudes.

“To continue our important work in the area of community safety, an additional five CCTV cameras were installed in the Ringwood Metropolitan Activity Centre and seven cameras were placed in Ringwood East. This is in addition to the $435,000 upgrade and extension of the CCTV network within Croydon Town Centre. This latest project builds on the work Council is undertaking with local police, traders, community services, other levels of government and the community to create a safe and vibrant centre. To date, graffiti has been substantially reduced and perceptions of safety have increased.

“As part of the delivery of Council’s core services to the community, 11,714 vaccinations were administered by Council’s fully accredited immunisation team during 2017; almost 60,000 residents attended Maroondah Leisure Learn to Swim programs; more than 34,000 Meals on Wheels were prepared at Karralyka, and our Maternal & Child Health Service welcomed 1,419 new babies into their programs.

“Council’s Annual Budget 2017/18, together with our Long Term Financial Strategy, has provided enhanced services, protection of Council’s $1.57 billion in assets, the delivery of many new major capital projects, and a financially affordable future for our ratepayers.

“I commend the Annual Report 2017/18 as a record of the substantial amount that Council has been able to achieve in partnership with the community,” Cr Lamont added.