By Brendan Rees
Casey Council has formally adopted its 2020-21 budget totalling a record $536.7m, which focuses on supporting the communities’ economic recovery from the pandemic while continuing to provide vital services and infrastructure for the rapidly growing municipality.
However, council has rejected a proposal from the Casey Residents and Ratepayers Association (CRRA) to consider freezing or reducing rates – which the ratepayer group argued was about $70 higher than the Victorian average.
“It’s not totally unexpected,” president of CRRA Brendan Browne said, who presented a budget submission via video at council’s meeting on 9 June.
“The most disappointing aspect was that they didn’t really speak to the main idea which is to slow down the repayments on Bunjil Place; they’re trying to pay the whole building off by 2027 and that’s part of the reason our rates are as high as they are,” Mr Browne said.
Following a four-week public submission period, along with the exhibition of the Draft Council Action Plan, the budget was adopted at council’s Tuesday 23 June meeting, which includes an operational investment of $405.1 million.
In major projects, $43.2 million will go towards child, youth and family services; $47.7 million to upgrade and deliver new leisure and recreational facilities; $17.7 million towards aged and disability services; and $8.5 million to upgrade and deliver new community facilities.
The $131.6m capital works program – down from $27.1m in 2019-’20 will see the following major projects completed:
• Construction of a new district level soccer and cricket multipurpose community facility at Tulliallan Estate, Cranbourne North ($9.4m)
• Construction of a new district level AFL, cricket and netball facility at Botanic Ridge Eastern Playing Fields, Botanic Ridge ($7.8m)
• Construction of a new Family and Community Centre at Elliston Estate, Clyde Village ($3.97m)
• Building renewal and upgrades to Strong Drive Children’s Centre, Hampton Park ($1.33m)
• Construction of new indoor netball facilities at Olive Road Reserve, Eumemmerring ($1.25m)
Casey Council chair of administrators Noelene Duff said she was proud to oversee a budget that seeks to strike a balance between financial sustainability that will see Casey through to the other side of the Covid-19 crises, while also being “kind and responsive” to the growing pressures of residents and ratepayers.
“We understand that there is a lot of angst and concern within the community right now, so this year more than ever before, we are committed to strong financial management, clear decision making and operating in a financially stable manner to ensure that we can assist our community to recover,” Ms Duff said.
According to council documents, council will extend its hardship relief package to 30 September 2020 in recognition of the continued economic impact of the pandemic.
This includes a freeze on interest on outstanding rates from 1 March 2020 to 30 June 2020, and legal action not being pursued on outstanding rates in 2019-20.
“Where possible we are providing flexibility to affected customers and encourage anyone unable to meet their payment due dates to get in touch with council,” the report stated.
