Draft Budget 2018-19

Published on 27 April 2018

Council is seeking feedback on a draft budget which includes a $43 million program of community infrastructure upgrades, while also maintaining its position as the Council with the lowest rates in Victoria on a per capita basis.

Community feedback on Council’s draft 2018/19 Budget is sought by Monday 28 May.

Monash Mayor Paul Klisaris said the projects outlined in the draft budget were in response to community feedback about the need to continue expanding and improving infrastructure that is well used by the Monash community, and improving core assets of roads, drains and footpaths.

“Our aim is to deliver a budget that is financially responsible, fair and responds to the needs of our community,” Cr Klisaris said.

“We are looking forward to receiving community feedback on our draft budget. Last year, Council received 25 submissions from the community about the draft budget, which is a higher rate of community engagement than in previous years.

“In fact, Council previously decided to fund a project raised with us via the submissions: a refurbishment of the Wadham House community centre in Mount Waverley so if a member of our community has an idea they want to share, we’d love to hear from them.”

A major project in the draft budget is the first stage of construction of the Oakleigh Recreation Centre upgrade to substantially improve the 41-year-old facility and create a new home for the Waverley Gymnastics Club. The State Government is providing $3 million through Sports Recreation Victoria, the Federal Government $2.1 million and Waverley Gymnastics $1 million towards this project, which will continue into 2019/20.

Other highlights of this year’s $43 million capital works program include:

$5.4 million for road reconstruction and renewal, including the reconstruction of Atherton Road, Oakleigh ($2.8 million) which will continue into 2019/20
$4.1 million to renew Council’s footpaths in keeping with community expectations
$3.1 million for recreational, leisure and community facilities including redevelopment of the Holmesglen sportsground ($800,000)
$1.2 million for playspace upgrades at Adrian Street (Chadstone), Glen Waverley North Reserve, Dennis Court (Clayton), Mannering Drive (Glen Waverley) and Catherine Avenue (Mount Waverley)

Cr Klisaris said while the worldwide recycling crisis was challenging, Council was pleased to still be the Council with the lowest rates in Metropolitan Melbourne, on a rate per assessment basis, while also delivering important infrastructure programs.

“While Monash is in the fortunate position of having secured its household recycling collection for the next two years, unlike some other councils, it has come at a cost of $1.5 million a year,” Cr Klisaris said.

“We know it’s important to our community that we keep rates low and we’ve been proud to do so over many years. The recycling landscape has now changed, and we have to adapt to those changes.

“Our first option to meet the $1.5 million shortfall is to seek a small variation to our rate cap to increase the rate from 2.25% to 3.53%, an increase to ratepayers, on average of around $20 a year. We have applied to the Essential Services Commission to make this change and are awaiting a decision.

“If unsuccessful, we will need to consider a limited waste charge to meet these costs. We will keep our community informed as we go forward.”

Media Contact: Jo Robertson 0418 391 979 or email joanne.robertson@monash.vic.gov.au