Draft Council Plan 2017-2021: 2019/20 update and proposed Budget 2019/20 released for comment

Council has released its proposed Budget 2019/20 and draft Council Plan 2017-2021: 2019/20 Update, with the

The proposed Budget and Draft Council Plan is on public exhibition from Thursday 11 April until Friday 10 May, 2019.

Maroondah Mayor, Councillor Rob Steane, said the two documents were key to delivering important services and improvements for the Maroondah community, including an extensive $28.76 million capital works program.

“The community’s vision as outlined in Maroondah 2040: Our future together is the foundation from which Council shapes its long-term plans for the municipality.

“The proposed Budget is based on a review of Council’s long-term financial strategy. That strategy now shows that over the next 12 months Council will manage with a modest annual rate increase, minimal borrowings, strong capital expenditure and renewal of existing assets, all while maintaining current service levels,” Cr Steane said.

“The proposed Budget ensures continuity of our 120-plus services and programs, longevity for Council’s $1.87 billion in net assets, delivery of $28.76 million in extensive capital projects and a financially affordable future for our ratepayers, with a modest underlying operating surplus of $4.87 million,” he said.

Cr Steane said the proposed 2019/20 budget aimed to deliver on a number of key projects and initiatives, building on the initial work completed over the last financial year.

“Contained within the proposed Budget are 58 initiatives, including 20 major initiatives, as identified in the Council Plan 2017-2021: 2019/20 Update. Among these include finalising the design for the $15 million Karralyka redevelopment; commencing the redevelopment of the $5m Jubilee Park Sporting Precinct, and delivering on the $3.5 million revitalisation of the HE Parker Sporting Pavilion.

“Our $28.76 million capital works program sees significant investment in building and community facilities ($9.72m); local roads and associated infrastructure improvements ($3.56m); footpath and cycle replacement/construction ($3.54m); recreational, leisure and community facility upgrades ($2.28m); drainage renewal ($2.68m) and parks and open space ($1.24m),” he said.

Under the proposed Budget, total rates municipal-wide would increase by the 2.5 per cent set by the Victorian Government, after Council again resolved not to seek a variation for 2019/20.

“The average general property rate rise of 2.5 per cent, is in line with CPI (Consumer Price Index). This means properties under the average will pay less and those over the average will pay more depending on the value of their property. The waste service charge for 2019/20, incorporating kerbside collection and recycling, will not be increased,” Cr Steane said.

“The recycling industry is experiencing unprecedented disruption on a global scale. As a Council, Maroondah still maintains high recycling rates, irrespective of the global crisis and we want to continue achieving these results. As such, we will continue to work with both levels of government to make inroads in the recycling sector.”

Cr Steane said the proposed Budget and draft Council Plan also set the scene for a number of key advocacy priorities and projects over the coming year for Council.

These include undertaking a municipal-wide review of Council’s neighbourhood character and heritage controls; finalising the Maroondah Vegetation Review; and advocating to the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments for provision of new and upgraded major transportation infrastructure, including upgrades to arterial roads and intersections.

“Further significant upgrades to our sporting pavilions and facilities have the ability to change the face of our sporting landscape in a way that levels the playing field for female players,” Cr Steane added.

“Council is confident the draft budget delivers fairness, responsibility and opportunity in equal measure. We’re keen to know what people think, and invite our community to have their say,” he said.

Have your say

Major initiatives complete $3m Silcock Sporting Pavilion redevelopment in Croydon complete $3.5m redevelopment HE Parker Sporting Pavilion complete $5m Jubilee Sporting Precinct redevelopment commence the $4.5m Springfield Sporting redevelopment (subject to funding) commence the $3.25m Proclamation Park Sporting Pavilion redevelopment (subject to funding) commence the $12m Dorset Recreation Reserve redevelopment (subject to funding) undertake a strategic review of shopping centres in Maroondah and develop a Community Shopping Centre Strategy plan and deliver Croydon library integrated Customer Service Project and part of the Croydon Community Precinct redevelopment implement new public art across Maroondah in accordance with Council’s Public Art Policy commence the $15m Karralyka redevelopment (subject to funding) work in partnership to undertake renewal works on the Mullum Mullum and Dandenong Creek shared trail undertake the renewal of New Street in Ringwood, including flood mitigation works, between Maroondah Highway and Sylvia Grove complete the Lincoln Road upgrade, east of Dorset Road, Croydon work in partnership to implement the Greening the Greyfields Project to facilitate a sustainable approach to urban redevelopment in identified residential precincts commence preparation of a new Croydon Structure Plan commence the Croydon Community Precinct development (subject to funding) work in partnership to implement the Tarralla Creek Connects project investigate and implement additional female changing facilities at local sporting venues update Council’s administrative facilities engage the community in undertaking an interim review of Maroondah 2040: Our future together.

To view the proposed 2019/20 Budget and draft Council Plan 2017-2021: 2019/20 Update, please visit

Both documents are also available to view at Maroondah City Council Offices, Braeside Avenue, Ringwood; Civic Square, Croydon; Realm and Croydon Library, until 5pm on Friday 10 May 2019.