budget 10/11 off and running

report from the roundtable – 29 jun

This week council had only one item to consider on its agenda, the draft 2010/2011 budget. It was supported unanimously by councillors.

The $140 million budget earmarks more than $38 million for a range of capital works throughout the shire from road improvements to improvements to open space and a vast array of major projects.

The budget sees council allocate an additional $730,000 to bushfire preparation works. These works include removal of roadside debris for expanded roadside slashing on strategic roads in Township Protection Plan areas as well as preparation and maintenance works at Neighbourhood Safer Places (Places of Last Resort), necessary works to improve community safety.

This year's budget features funding for ongoing critical community services. Support for older-frail residents, families and young people will also be strengthened with funding to deliver a range of programs including:
• $7.8m to support the delivery of aged care services helping older members of the community and people with disability to remain healthy and active in their homes and local communities.
• $7.7m for programs and services directed to families and young people through maternal and child health care, immunisation, youth counselling, events and leadership development.
• $5.9m to support economic and community development—ensuring local economies remain strong and communities and individuals are socially connected. • $3.2m for arts, culture and heritage development

Local projects specific to the Lyster Ward include:
$30,000 to upgrade the toilet at Birdsland Environment and Education Centre – Belgrave South
$15,000 to upgrade facilities at Rae's Park – Narre Warren East
$85,000 to upgrade drainage on Bonham Road – The Patch
$130,000 to create a footpath link between Kallista and Belgrave
$17,000 for Belgrave Lake Park - Belgrave
$163,000 to commence works on a shared trail from Lysterfield Lake to Birdsland – Belgrave South
$90,000 for drainage rehabilitation works on Kaola Street – Belgrave
$51,500 to commence works on the Belgrave Swimming Pool – Belgrave
$836,000 to commence works on the Monbulk Aquatic Centre – Monbulk
$51,500 to develop a business case for the Belgrave Hub

Twelve months ago Yarra Ranges Council announced its largest ever capital works program designed to support the local economy and deliver new community facilities. The $272m 10 year capital works program featured an extra $68.5m to stimulate construction in the region and help support local jobs.

The 10 year program will deliver new purpose-built community, cultural and sporting facilities.

It will also ensure council's assets are preserved, maintained and upgraded to provide for our community into the future.

This year will see $13.47m of Council funding spent on major projects across the Shire, including local projects:
$4.82m Burrinja Community Cultural Centre - (part of a $9.6m project including Arts Victoria and Federal Government funding)
$3.43m Sherbrooke Family and Children's Centre & the Upwey Hall (Upwey Children's Services Hub) - (part of a $7m project including state and federal government funding)
$515,000 Olinda Aquatic Centre
$309,000 Monbulk Soccer Facility - (part of a $4.6m project)
$132,000 Monbulk Community Centre redevelopment for furniture and equipment for the nearly completed facility - (as part of a $5.5m project including state and federal funding)
$260,000 Future community projects funded for this year include almost for the development of feasibility studies and concept proposals for new community hubs in Belgrave
$836,000 Monbulk Aquatic Centre

There are still challenges for the future and this budget sets a blueprint for that future. The budget supports Council's priorities for the next four years, these priorities have been identified in the Council Plan.

Council's 10 key priorities are to:

• Implement the bushfire recovery program and respond to the 2009 Victorian Bushfire Royal Commission outcomes

• Manage our environment and respond to climate change

• Streamline planning approvals and processes

• Upgrade community and sporting facilities

• Improve roads, footpaths and bike trails

• Respond to population ageing

• Improve housing diversity and affordability

• Focus on youth and children

• Support economic development and agriculture

• Create a high performing organisation