Council endorses Budget

Wyndham City Council last night formally endorsed its 2023-24 Budget and Annual Plan.

The centrepiece of the Budget is a Capital Works program valued at more than $167 million, which includes more than $38 million to build new roads, resurface and renew old ones and improve our Active Transport Network.

As well, a further $41 million has been allocated to maintain reserves and open spaces, playgrounds and key services related to the beautification of Wyndham such as mowing, watering and tree planting.

Residents will also 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.

Wyndham Mayor Cr Susan McIntyre said: “We are all living in a more unpredictable economic environment, yet this Budget ensures there is a focus on spending in the right areas and in the delivery of assets and projects residents support.”

“This Budget is both considered and responsible.”

“We received feedback from more than 100 residents to help us frame this final Budget and we thank each and every one of them for their valuable contribution.”

The endorsed Budget delivers a $167 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

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 allocated 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.

The 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 been made,” Cr McIntyre said. “Costs of building materials and utilities have increased in some cases by up to 40 per cent.”

The Budget allows for an increase in Council 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,” Cr McIntyre said.

The Budget includes funding for community grants totalling $1.45 million, putting more money in the hands of community groups and organisations to run programs and events that make a difference locally.”

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

If residents are having difficulty paying their rates by the due date, they should contact 1300 023 411 to discuss options, including a payment plan.

View 2023 - 2024 Wyndham City Annual Plan & Budget

View 2023 - 2024 Wyndham City Fees and Charges

View 2023 - 2024 Wyndham City Revenue and Rating Plan