All-time high capital works

FUNDING for key capital projects in the 2009 Draft Budget is the largest in the Greater Dandenong Council’s history.
The Draft Budget provided for a total capital works program of $48.993 million including $19.728 million for major projects and $8.426 million in asset renewal works.
Greater Dandenong chief executive officer John Bennie said the council faced significant challenges in developing a long-term financial plan that provided sufficient funding to renew council’s ageing assets, while continuing to facilitate the revitalisation of Springvale and Dandenong.
Funding for major projects includes $13.5 million for the completion of the Dandenong Market Re-development, $3.370 million for a multi-deck carpark in Springvale, $1.47 million for a Springvale Children’s Services Centre and $1.208 million for the Warner Reserve multi-use pavilion.
Developer contributed plan works included in the budget are estimated to be $13.582. These works are linked to proposed developments in Dandenong South and Keysborough and are substantially funded by received contributions, with council only funding $1.142 million to the works.
Other capital projects included in the $48.993 million capital budget are funds for council roads, works at the Oasis Aquatic Centre, pavilion works at Shepley Oval, Noble Park Pool design works, further works implementing the Tatterson Park Master Plan, and works at the Dandenong Basketball Stadium.
The Draft 2009-10 Budget was accepted at Monday night’s council meeting. It is now placed on public display, and residents will be given four weeks to review the budget and make submissions to council.
Council will consider any submissions received and will finalise the Draft Budget at its meeting on Monday 29 June.