Draft Budget produces record spending

Wyndham City has proposed a record $201 million spend on new infrastructure and capital works, in its 2021/22 Draft Budget.

The Draft Budget was formally adopted for public exhibition at last night’s Council meeting.

Wyndham Mayor Cr Adele Hegedich said she was proud of the way Councillors and staff had worked together to deliver the first proposed Budget of the new Council term.

“It is a responsible and considered budget that focusses on a proposed record capital works investment, protecting our local environment, building healthy and resilient communities and maintaining essential services.”

The 2021/22 Draft Budget proposes:

Upgrading and building new local roads - $27.2 million Sports and recreation infrastructure - $29 million Playground and parks upgrades - $2.02 million Kindergarten and children centre services - $18.09 million Maternal child and health and immunisation services - $13.91 million Library services - $9.76 million Black Forest Road South Level 2 Community Centre - $7.05 million Manor Lakes Northern Hub – Integrated Family Centre Master Plan Implementation - $4.68 million Truganina South East Master Plan Delivery - $12.31 million Sports pavilion upgrades - $5.6 million Maintaining Wyndham’s infrastructure assets - $8.35 million Tarneit North Master Plan Implementation - $12.17 million Regional Soccer Facility - $12 million Local road reconstruction and resurfacing - $12.9 million Youth programs and services - $5.09 million Active Transport Network - $4 million Alfred Road Reserve Master Plan design - $1.15 million Presidents Park Master Plan design - $0.52 million Widening Little River roads - $5 million Lighting the West - $3.8 million Greening the Pipeline - $3.2 million K Road Cliffs Master Plan Implementation - $1.06 million

Proposed rate increases for 2021/22 have been set at 1.5 per cent, in line with the State Government’s cap.

Cr Hegedich said: “During COVID-19, we made strong and practical decisions to protect and expand our services, while increasing investment into capital works to stimulate the local economy, support our most at-risk community members and protect local jobs.”

“This year, for the first time, we undertook a deliberative engagement process to inform our budget priorities.”

“I would like to personally thank all those community members who took part and helped shape this Draft Budget.”

“By sharing their ideas and thoughts about what it is like to live in their local neighbourhoods, we were able to better consider their priorities and plan for their needs.”

“As a result, this proposed Budget will invest in the largest capital works program ever, with more than $200 million allocated to ensure critical infrastructure is delivered across the City.”

“It sets a clear direction for Council as we emerge from the pandemic, with financial sustainability and responsible investment the key priorities.”

The proposed Budget includes $4 million for the City’s Active Transport Strategy, which is a 10-year plan to connect the missing links in walking and cycling paths to improve access for residents and visitors travelling either on foot, bikes or scooters and those using wheelchairs and prams. “We want to make Wyndham the active transport leader of Victoria,” Cr Hegedich said.

Wyndham City also proposes to spend more than $33 million improving our parks, open spaces, and streetscapes.

Cr Adele Hegedich said: “Covid and restrictions proved more than ever the importance of parks and open spaces for our residents. Our residents have told us how much they enjoy these facilities and places and we’ve listened.”

The proposed Draft Budget also includes millions of dollars to deliver new sport, leisure and community facilities, including $7 million for the Black Forest Road South Level 2 Community Centre in Wyndham Vale; $8.6 million for landscape works including construction of rectangular fields and a tennis complex at the Bensonhurst Parade Reserve in Point Cook; $6.7 million for the Truganina Level 2 Community Centre and $5.6 million for Brookdale Road Reserve landscape and carpark works in Point Cook.

The Draft Budget is now open for community feedback, via www.theloop.wyndham.vic.gov.au/budget2021-22