More funding for parking, recreation and bike paths in draft budget
Published on 27 April 2016
Car parking in Oakleigh would be boosted significantly and basic community infrastructure improved under a draft Monash Council budget now out for community feedback.
Monash Council Chief Executive Officer Dr Andi Diamond said Council had invited the community to put forward their views on where money should be spent in Monash, prior to the budget being drafted.
“We had 174 community members across Monash come forward with more than 250 suggestions,” Dr Diamond said.
“Overwhelmingly they nominated improvements to playgrounds and sporting facilities as the main priorities. Council listened to their views and with this draft budget addresses many of their concerns.
“Council has also responded to community concerns about a parking shortage in Oakleigh by proposing to fund a 195-place multi-level car park above the existing ground level car park in Atkinson Street.”
A total of $8.74 million has been allocated for construction of the car park, with $1.6 million of this amount having already been pledged by local businesses.
Dr Diamond said Council‘s proposed Capital Works program of $44.6 million would be the largest ever Monash Council capital works program, with $13.5 million more allocated this year than last year. There is increased funding proposed for playgrounds, sports pavilions, footpath repairs, and shared bicycle/pedestrian paths.
“Council’s strong financial management over recent years means we are able to deliver increased spending on community infrastructure while also continuing to have the lowest rates of all 79 Victorian councils," she said.
“Council will be keeping within the State Government’s rate cap limit this year, so general rate revenue is only proposed to increase by 2.5%. This works out at an increase of $33 for the average Monash residential ratepayer.
“Last year, Council introduced a $50 rate discount for Monash pensioners, and this will be provided again this year, alongside the State Government’s pensioner rebate (in 2015/16 this rebate was $213).”
Written submissions on the draft budget and Council Plan are sought until Tuesday 31 May 2016. Please send submissions to Monash Council:
- Via mail: PO Box 1, Glen Waverley 3150
- Via email: mail@monash.vic.gov.au
- Hand delivery: Monash Civic Centre (293 Springvale Road, Glen Waverley), between 8.15am-5pm Monday-Friday.
Council will consider all submissions before deciding on its final budget at its meeting on Tuesday 28 June 2016.
Media Contact: Jo Robertson 0418 391 979 or email Joanne.Robertson@monash.vic.gov.au