Image: Chris Phutully
The City of Melbourne has announced that it will deliver more than half a billion dollars in services and infrastructure in its 2016-17 annual budget as part of its ambitious four-year plan to create a
“bold, inspirational and sustainable” city.
In the City’s big plan for the next financial year, it will spend more than $399.41 million in services and $108.48 million in infrastructure.
It accounts for the fourth and final year in the council’s 2013-17 plan, including the $399 million in programs and services, a fully funded $108 million council works infrastructure program with no new borrowings. On top of that, council has proposed an underlying surplus of $15.42 million.
The city’s local voters may scoff at this one, but the local government sector can always be depended upon to cheer for it, but the council has announced a 2.5 per cent increase in rates.
City of Melbourne Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said the council is delivering on its four-year mission for the city’s growth, prosperity and liveability.
“Melbourne continues to boom which creates challenges and opportunities. We are responding with planned investments in services, facilities and infrastructure,” Mr Doyle said.
Calling the City of Melbourne a “multi-billion dollar business”, Mr Doyle said the final budget cements this council’s legacy: “a Melbourne that is a great place to work, live and visit”.
He said the council will soon release a detailed plan outlining how key renewal projects will be managed.
“In the initial stages, this will include upgrades to trader facilities to address safety issues and better meet trader requirements. Detailed design work will focus on improving cooling, storage, signage, logistics and the market’s environmental performance,” he said.
Chair of the Finance and Governance portfolio Councillor Stephen Mayne said council has continued a strong focus on containing operating costs, with underlying cost increases kept below CPI.
“This is a disciplined budget that minimises the burden on ratepayers and provides the services and infrastructure appropriate for a booming capital city,” Mr Mayne said.
Although that’s with that increase in rates, as mentioned above. But Mr Mayne tries to explain that.
“Our underlying cost increase in this budget is less than two per cent, which is expected to be below CPI. This means we have minimised the burden on the community while accommodating pressures associated with the city’s growth and the operation of new community facilities,” Mr Mayne said.
The City of Melbourne went on to explain that the draft budget proposes a “modest” rate increase of 2.5 per cent, which is “consistent” with the state government’s allowance and no increase in on-street parking fees.
‘It is important to note that because 2016 is a revaluation year, individual rates notices will not increase by 2.5 per cent, but will increase or decrease relative to changes in property values,’ the City said.
The draft budget will be considered at a special meeting of Future Melbourne Committee and Council Meeting at 5.30pm today and is open for public consultation until Friday 3 June 2016. A final version will be considered by Council on 28 June 2016.
