$41m for capital works

By Melissa Meehan
ASSET renewal, arts and aged care top the agenda in the Shire of Yarra Ranges’ $122.2 million 2008-2009 draft budget.
A record $41.3 million will be spent on the council’s largest-ever capital works program, with the council’s focus on the restoration of existing structures rather than new projects.
Mayor Tim Heenan said rejuvenating assets now would save spending more money in the future.
“It’s about investing now to stop higher costs later,” he said. “We’ve got to be responsible.”
Key capital works funding will include $14.97 million for major projects, $13.02 million for local roads, $2.13 million for building maintenance and upgrades, $2.35 million for open spaces, including sports grounds, playgrounds and trails, and $1.02 million for township development.
The draft budget also includes a range of new measures costing $1.8 million that will help growing community needs.
Some of the projects include extending the weed blackspot program, increasing resources to help the planning permit process and increasing partnership funding for emergency relief, neighbourhood houses and the Yarra Valley Arts Council.
Cr Heenan welcomed the draft budget, saying it would provide a significant boost to critical public infrastructure, including roads, sporting and recreational and community facilities, while delivering on a number of community programs and services.
“This year’s draft budget is one of the most extensive in the shire’s history and lays the foundation for a number of significant projects that will benefit current and future generations,” Cr Heenan said.
“Most importantly, it strikes a balance between preserving and improving the region’s infrastructure and meeting the community’s demands and expectations for services, programs and support.”
Community services, including aged care and support for people with a disability, will receive $7.1 million, programs for families, children and young people will get $7 million, while $2.5 million will go to economic and community development.
$2.28 million will go to support the region’s arts, culture and heritage development, including a staffing boost for the Healesville Memorial Hall to expand its art program.
The shire’s planning services will be given an extra $237,000 to deal with bottlenecks.
Mr Cummins said that the shire had the second highest number of planning applications in the state, on average, and it was important to deal with the problem.
Home owners in the shire will face an average rate rise of 4.25 per cent, the rise described as modest by Mick Cummins, director of corporate services.
“The council took into consideration the rising costs of living, including rising interest rates for mortgages, and the rising cost of fuel,” Mr Cummins said.
From June, the community can have its say on the proposal before the council begins design and project preparations.
Interested people have until 5pm on Monday 23 June to lodge submissions relating to the budget before it is formally endorsed the next day.