By Casey Neill
Greater Dandenong Council’s budget is locked in for the next year, with two changes from its proposed financial plan.
The average ratepayer will pay about $71 extra next financial year.
The council released the draft budget for consultation in April and received four community submissions.
Sri Samy from Friends of Refugees expressed concern about the likely impact of the Federal Government cuts to Status Resolution Support Services (SRSS) on asylum seekers residing in Greater Dandenong.
The council in response agreed to provide an extra $60,000 in funding.
It also agreed to a submission from Dandenong Basketball Association for $50,000 to service an outstanding loan.
Rhonda Garad raised concerns about an increase in the waste service charge, and urged the council to consider greater financial incentives for residents to reduce waste.
In response, the council said the waste service charge was due entirely to increased costs associated with the recycling industry collapse.
Over the past financial year, the council has moved from receiving $70 per tonne for recycled product to having to pay the recycling contractor $150 per tonne.
The net effect is $2.5 million per year.
On incentives, the council said it already offered residents lower charges for having a smaller general waste bin but would look at further options.
The budget’s headline project is the Springvale Civic Precinct.
There’s $18.5 million allocated to start construction, which is due for completion by December next year.
