Council adopts Draft Budget

Wyndham City Council last night formally adopted its 2023-24 Draft Budget, which includes more than $38 million to build new roads, resurface and renew old ones and improve our Active Transport Network.

Despite a challenging financial environment, residents will be well supported with more than $432 million allocated for key services, including $20 million for Kindergartens and Children’s services, $11.9 million for Maternal Child and Health Immunisations and $10.8 million for Libraries.

As well, a further $41 million is included in the Draft Budget to maintain reserves and open spaces, playgrounds and key services related to the beautification of Wyndham such as mowing, watering and tree planting.

Wyndham Mayor Cr Susan McIntyre said: “This Draft Budget has been one of the most challenging to produce in many years. We are all living in a more unpredictable economic environment.”

“This Draft Budget ensures there is a focus on spending in the right areas and in the delivery of assets and projects we think residents will support.”

“This Draft Budget is both considered and responsible.”

The Draft Budget delivers a $168.3 million Capital Works Program, with highlights including:

Road construction, upgrades and renewals - $33.2 million Active Transport Network - $5 million Tarneit North Master Plan Implementation - $11 million Truganina Community Centre - $10.1 million Alfred Road Reserve Implementation - $8.3 million Webster Street Reserve - $4.75 million Jamieson Way Master Plan Stage One - $3 million Black Forest Road South Community Centre - $5 million Manor Lakes North Reserve Master Plan Implementation - $3.6 million

Proposed key road projects include the duplication of Tarneit Road between Sayers Road and Leakes Road ($4.5 million), the reconstruction of K Road Werribee South ($3.5 million), intersection works for Davis and Dohertys Road ($2.5 million) and $4.9 million for various local road reconstruction projects.

Leakes Road between Tarneit Road and Derrimut Road stage one ($2.2 million) will receive an upgrade while $3 million has been proposed for stage one to fix and widen Old Melbourne Road, while work on a number of roads in Little River will also commence.

Early works for the duplication of Tarneit Road between Railway Avenue and Shaws Road ($1.7 million) has also been allocated.

A total of $12.7 million has been set aside for parks, open spaces and streetscapes. “We know how important these places are for our residents and young families,” Cr McIntyre said.

The Draft Budget has also reaffirmed Council’s commitment toward a green Wyndham, with the implementation of the Wyndham Coastal and Marine Management Plan and K Road Cliff drainage improvements to receive $5.6 million and the Greening the Pipeline Project to receive $2 million.

“Increased costs mean tough decisions have to be made,” Cr McIntyre said. “Costs of building materials and utilities have increased in some cases by up to 40 per cent, which means some projects will be deferred or delayed.”

“The Draft Budget proposes to increase our borrowings from a current $15 million to up to $67.5 million by 30 June 2024. These borrowings will only be drawn upon if needed, and will be used to help fund capital works, which are required due to the rapid growth of our City.”

“All borrowings, current and future, remain well within Wyndham City’s prudential limits as set by Treasury Corporation Victoria and monitored by the Victorian Auditor General. Debt levels also remain well within Council’s capacity to meet its repayment obligations.”

“We are also committed to maintaining and growing funding for vital services. A total of $432 million has been set aside for programs and services that our residents need.”

The Draft Budget includes funding for community grants totalling $1.45 million.

“This important funding puts more money in the hands of community groups and organisations to run programs and events that make a difference locally,” Cr McIntyre said.

The State Government has set a rate cap of 3.5 per cent for the 2023-24 financial year.

Residents can provide feedback on the Draft Budget either online via The Loop or by attending any of our Public Exhibition Pop Up sessions. For more information, go to https://theloop.wyndham.vic.gov.au/.