Budget Adopted

Pensioners and those receiving Jobkeeper will be eligible for rate rebates as part of the 2020/21 Annual Budget adopted by Wyndham City on Tuesday night.

Wyndham City Mayor, Cr Josh Gilligan, said the Budget, which delivers $106 million in capital works funding, as well as continuing key Council services,  had a key focus on providing targeted support to members of the community who needed it most.

“We know that COVID-19 has led to many members of our community doing it tough, and we want you to know that we’re here for you,” Cr Gilligan said.

“That’s why residential ratepayers in Wyndham who are receiving JobKeeper will be eligible to apply for a $100 rebate on their rates bill this year. One rebate will be permitted per household.”

“For pensioners, we’re offering an additional $50 off their rates bill on top of the existing rebate in place from the State Government. Our existing hardship policy will also provide direct support, in the form of payment plans and rates deferrals.”

“Support for businesses is also a key Budget item for Council, building on existing support from the State and Federal Governments. We have already provided $2 million worth of grants to 285 local businesses and waived more than $1 million in fees and charges. This Budget continues on this support to businesses.”

Council has also extended the payment period for the first and second rates instalments to 31 October and 31 December respectively. This means ratepayers have until this date to pay their instalments without interest being charged.

While providing support to those in need, the Budget also demonstrates a continued commitment to upgrading roads, building new community facilities, and improving sporting reserves and pavilions for the growing community.

“As our population grows at a rapid rate, it’s important that we work to build a liveable city – not just a big city. That’s what we’ve been working hard to deliver over the past four years, and exactly what this Budget will do,” Cr Gilligan said. 

“We’re planning to spend $106 million on capital works, bringing together a record spend of $425 million over the past four years.”

“We continuously hear from our community that our roads are in need of investment. That’s why we’re proud to be investing $8.7 million on the reconstruction of local roads, and $3 million to resurface others,” Cr Gilligan said.

“Improved quality of roads is important, but so is improving traffic flow, and increasing the capacity of our local roads to take more traffic. One road that will soon be upgraded is Tarneit Road between Sayers and Leakes Roads. We’re providing $1 million to begin the duplication of this stretch of road.”

Acknowledging the benefits of leading an active lifestyle, sporting reserves will also receive funding in the Budget.

“Some key investments in sport over the coming financial year include $3.5 million for new soccer facilities at Galvin Park, and $950,000 for a new car park, pavilion and landscaping at Bensonhurst Parade Reserve.”

With a rapidly growing population in the Tarneit area, Cr Gilligan said another key focus was providing residents with access to essential Council services.

“The new Riverdale Community Centre in Tarneit is currently under construction, on track to open by early 2021. We’re allocating $4.8 this financial year towards the construction of this important facility, which will ensure residents have access to early childhood education, maternal and child health services, and a wide range of programs and community spaces,” Cr Gilligan said.

“We’ve also allocated $10.2 million to commence construction of two new children’s centres in Truganina and Tarneit North.”

“We’re also continuing to upgrade our local parks, with $2.90 million allocated to breathe new life into these parks.”

Overall, the amount of rate revenue collected by Council will increase by two percent, in line with State Government policy. Rates provide 70 percent of Council’s revenue, allowing it to provide community service and infrastructure now and into the future.

“Due to the way properties are valued and rates are distributed, the rates bill for 44 percent of residential properties will actually reduce compared to last year and a further 52 percent of residential properties will experience a rate increase of no more than $100 over the year – that’s less than $2 a week,” Cr Gilligan said.

The State Government now revalues properties on an annual basis. The 2020/21 rates will be based on property values as at 1 January 2020. The State Government has ruled that these values will stand regardless of any impact of COVID-19.

Any change in values between March and June 2020 will be considered as part of the 21/22 valuations. For more information on the State Government’s process regarding valuations visit: https://www.propertyandlandtitles.vic.gov.au/valuation/council-valuations

To read the Budget and Annual Plan visit www.wyndham.vic.gov.au