By Mikayla van Loon and Jed Lanyon
Yarra Ranges Council released a draft for the latest budget on Tuesday 11 May, which comes with a “strong focus” on the community recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.
The draft budget includes $4 million specifically for Covid-19 pandemic recovery grants which includes $1 million for Community Recovery Committees across the Yarra Ranges, where community members will soon be able to make decisions about recovery projects in their area. Council also budgeted for $1.3 million in funding for youth mental health programs to fill an increased need after the lockdowns last year.
Capital expenditure works totals an estimated $73,714,000 for 2021-22 which includes upgrades to footpaths, playspaces, sports and recreation reserves, bike paths and road maintenance.
Council plans to spend approximately $19 million on roads, footpaths and bike paths, which was listed as one of the highest priorities amongst local residents from a council survey.
Speaking at the 11 May Council meeting, Mayor Fiona McAllister said the night wasn’t about finalising the budget, but putting it out to the community.
“For any council year, the budget process and the development of the council plan is one of the most substantial things we do as a council. And certainly for a new council, it is an incredible burden of responsibility to undertake this process in partnership with community.”
Results from council’s Community Satisfaction Survey found the communities’ highest priorities are for improved funding for rural roads, energy efficiency initiatives, walking and cycling infrastructure, biodiversity and ecology protection and fire prevention and preparedness.
Cr McAllister shared what she is looking forward to most out of the upcoming budget.
“I’m really excited to see what comes out of the Community Recovery Committees… It really flips it on it’s head when we allow a really good diverse mix of people to decide where we spend the money. I’m really interested to see how that plays out and find out what comes out of that.
“The mental health advocacy, that’s a big issue for us regionally and I’m really thrilled that’s on our major initiatives. I think sometimes it seems not core business for a council, but it’s got to be, it always should be.
“The trails. it’s been a long journey, excuse the pun, I loved what came out of Covid. My kids and my husband, we got on our bikes and to actually see it in the budget that we’re going to complete the things we’ve been talking about for a really long time, it’s really exciting.”
Rates to increase
Council has proposed a 1.5 per cent increase in rates linked to property value. It equates approximately to an extra $43 per rate payer notice and is in line with the Victorian Government’s rate cap.
Cr McAllister described the rate increase as a “head and heart” decision.
“As my fellow councillors know, it wasn’t something I was on board with, initially. And I know a heavy body of work has gone into – what do we need to keep this very large complex organisation supporting the lives of 150,000 people in the Yarra Ranges on the right track.
“We’ve balanced keeping costs low, keeping focus on the right things and in this draft budget, the rate rise that has been proposed is marginal.
“Your annual rates are largely determined by the value of your property compared to others in the region – properties that are worth more pay a higher percentage of our total rates, compared to those with lower values,” Cr McAllister said.
“This way, the amount paid is proportional across the community – similar to how the amount you pay in Medicare each year varies based on your income.
“Proposing to increase rates is never popular – especially as we’re still working as a community to recover from the pandemic – but will help us continue to provide 120 services to the Yarra Ranges community, continue building and maintaining our infrastructure and prepare for future programs and challenges.
“And we still have an expanded policy of flexible options available to support ratepayers who need assistance in paying their rates.”
State and federal funding
Yarra Ranges Council will continue lobbying the state and federal government for funding on major local projects such as the duplication of the Lilydale line and the construction of a train station for Kinley.
This comes as population forecasts predict that the population across the shire will grow to 185,902 by 2041. An increase of 24,577 people over the next 20 years, or 15.2 per cent growth.
The urban areas of Lilydale, Mooroolbark, Chirnside Park and Kilsyth are projected to have the highest population growth with local increases ranging from 17 per cent in Kilsyth to a very high 71 per cent in Lilydale, anticipating 12,000 new residents with the Kinley Estate development.
Council will continue to advocate for funding to see a solar farm constructed at the former site of the Healesville tip, which is unsuitable for other construction projects. Council hopes new technology for solar arrays allow them to be used on what would usually be unsupportive soil.
Council’s draft budget coincided with the federal budget. Casey MP tony Smith said funding would be delivered to aid council’s Covid-19 recovery.
“Our record investment in community infrastructure will create jobs in Casey and improve some of the vital services we rely on. Even more roads will be improved, including the sealing of dirt roads locally.
“I have secured another $4.2 million for a specific Covid response program for Council, taking the total funding up to $12 million. This funding will continue to deliver necessary improvements to community infrastructure.”
Council will also receive $2.2 million for the completion of Roads to Recovery projects. A further $27.5 million is expected from the Commonwealth and State Governments for projects including Phase 2 of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (various projects – $5.6 million); RidgeWalk ($4.1 million); Yarra Valley Trail ($2.5 million); and Warburton Mountain Bike Destination ($2.0 million).
