By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
RESIDENTIAL rates bills in Greater Dandenong Council are proposed to rise 5.5 per cent in 2015-16 – in the last budget before rates are expected to be capped to CPI next year.
Corporate services director Mick Jaensch said there had been no attempt to “beat” rate capping in the draft budget, which will be considered by councillors on Monday night.
The rise was lower than the council’s forecast 5.9 per cent, comparable to recent years’ rises and without resorting to any new borrowing, he said.
However Mr Jaensch warned of an impending revenue gap from next financial year due to a loss of federal grants and the expected cap on rates.
If the budget passes, the rates rise for an average residential property will go up by $45.62.
Kerbside waste and recycling charges will however escalate by nine per cent – up between $19-$25 depending on bin sizes.
For a median property with a 120-litre bin, the combined rates and waste bill will rise from $1108 to $1178.
The council’s major capital works projects are $3 million for acquiring land for the Keysborough South Community Hub, $1.5 million to start work on the Springvale civic precinct and library redevelopment and $1 million to finish works at Ross Reserve, Noble Park.
Money has also been allocated for floodlights at Noble Park Junior Football Club, works at Tatterson Park Pavilion and Alan Carter pavilion at Greaves Reserve, Dandenong and to relocate Dandenong’s toy library and maternal and child health services.
Other highlights include the establishment of a City of Greater Dandenong charitable fund and $500,000 towards traffic lights at the notorious Robinson Street-Princes Highway intersection.
Further money has been allocated to Dandenong’s civic square, Christmas decorations and New Year, Lunar New Year and short film festivals.
Mr Jaensch said rates capping would not affect the delivery of $35-$45 million Springvale civic project by 2020.
The project comprises the town hall’s refurbishment, a community centre, new library and passive recreational spaces.
