Have a say on the budget

– Shaun Inguanzo
THE 2008-09 Greater Dandenong Council budget is open for public comment.
The draft budget was accepted by councillors at Monday night’s meeting and is now open to feedback from the residents and ratepayers.
Submissions close on Thursday 12 June at 4pm, and a submission hearing will be held on 16 June.
The council will then consider submissions and modifications to the draft document, and then adopt the final document at its 23 June ordinary meeting.
This year’s budget is highlighted by a comparatively low 4.69 per cent rate rise with an even lower 3.64 per cent residential rate rise.
Among other items, the budget provisions for Stage 2 works of the Dandenong Market redevelopment; new and renovated facilities at Warner Reserve and Newcomen Reserve; a $200,000 contribution to the multi-council funded Regional Food Kitchen program; $800,000 of library materials; $5.1 million spent on local roads; and $1.2 million on parks and reserves.
To view the 2008-09 budget or to inquire about making submissions, visit www.greaterdandenong.com or contact the council on 9239 5100.