Cardinia Shire Council’s 2020–21 budget and Council plan adopted

The 2020–21 budget will fund the delivery of community services across more than 70 service areas, a $1.6 million community support package, and an $86 million capital works stimulus program to boost the local economy.

Following a four-week community consultation period where residents were invited to view and have their say on the draft budget and draft Council plan, Council adopted the 2020–21 budget and Council plan at its meeting on Monday. Cardinia Shire Mayor Cr Jeff Springfield said careful, responsible and compassionate consideration was given to the budget by Council, especially in light of the current and future impacts of coronavirus.

Cr Springfield said the budget outlines a strong $1.6 million package to provide ongoing community support, including:

strengthened hardship policy provisions for residents and businesses experiencing financial pressure due to COVID-19 rebates or deferrals of some business fees and charges  extended rate payment plans interest-free periods on payments community support grants  financial support for sporting clubs and community groups.

Cr Springfield said Council did not want to reduce the important services its community relies on. Council also assessed its capital program for 2020–21 ensuring funding for essential works was retained and reducing almost $10m non-essential works where possible. Councillors elected not to increase their own remuneration, staff recruitment is being closely scrutinised, and all staff are being encouraged to access accrued leave. 

The 2020–21 budget will fund the continued delivery of these services, including:

roads, footpaths and drains child, youth and family services rubbish and recycling health, sporting and aquatic facilities seniors support services community support and development services for people with a disability library, arts and culture and many, many more.

An $86 million capital works stimulus program for 2020–21 will boost local jobs and economy while providing for the needs of our fast-growing shire now and into the future. Council’s ongoing commitment to its capital works program is an important part in helping the community respond to the economic impact of coronavirus.

Despite incurring loss of revenue and increased costs as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, Council has delivered a responsible budget within the 2% rate cap. 

In 2020–21, more than $20 million will be spent on new road infrastructure, including $8 million on Council’s Strategic Sealed Roads Program, $7.5 million for Princes Highway intersections, $4.8 million on sealing roads in the hills and surrounds, and more than $5 million for road renewals (resurfacing, resheeting and resealing).

Other projects to benefit the community in 2020–21 include:

Toomuc Recreation Reserve northern and southern pavilion upgrades $5.9 million My Place youth centre $1.1 million Timbertop and Rix Road integrated children’s facility $9.1 million IYU Recreation Reserve athletics facility $150,000 Pakenham regional tennis court resurfacing $200,000 Koo Wee Rup football, cricket and netball pavilion $3.2 million Cora Lynn Reserve pavilion $150,000 Koo Wee Rup High School sports facilities $750,000 Koo Wee Rup Recreation Reserve power and sewerage upgrade $175,000 Comely Banks Recreation Reserve pavilion and car parking $7.0 million Emerald Netball pavilion and courts $675,000 Gembrook Recreation Reserve pavilion upgrade $2.1 million Cockatoo Community Hall / Senior Citizens improvements $100,000 Cockatoo Cottages $400,000 Multicultural Hub $381,000 Disability access works $166,000 Officer District Park $150,000 Dog off leash parks and Playground renewals $330,000 Worrell Reserve Recreation car park $750,000 Pedestrian and bicycle strategy $616,000 Upper Beaconsfield Redevelopment (changerooms) $1.2 million

More than $740,000 is also committed for direct reinvestment to local community and groups through Council’s grants programs.

“Coronavirus has had a huge social and financial impact globally.

“At the local level, we’re proactively supporting the most vulnerable within our community, delivering essential community services, and investing in our community and economy for the future,” Cr Springfield said.

View the 2020–21 budget and Council plan on Council’s website at www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/budgetandcouncilplan