The Victorian budget 2023/24 has been handed down, and it includes investments across our region.
‘We’ve listened to locals and are delivering the public infrastructure our area needs’, says Jackson Taylor, Member for Bayswater. ‘This budget is huge for schools locally.’
Among the highlights are funds to upgrade St John the Baptist Primary School, St Joseph’s, Kent Park, Bayswater South and Emerald Secondary College. There’s the revitalisation of Boronia Station, and funds to redevelop and expand Maroondah Hospital, including a new women’s health clinic.
Sport is such a big part of our community, helping families to stay active and get engaged, and there is investment in Wally Tew Reserve, Fairpark Reserve, and other facilities, including dog parks. There’s also support for Knox Infolink and Foothills Community Care.
Further afield, there’s an initial $1 billion investment to bring back the State Electricity Commission, with promises of more renewable energy, lower power bills, and job creation.
‘This Budget is delivering on the promises we made,’ says Daniela De Martino, Member for Monbulk. ‘The Andrews Labor Government is doing what matters.’
Knox Council Draft Budget 2023 endorsed
Knox City Council’s 2023/24 budget, developed in consultation with our community, invests more than $200 million in services and facilities for our community.
We heard that community prioritise maintaining and improving our parks, reserves and sporting facilities, providing safe local roads and paths, recreation and leisure facilities, community facilities and the environment and sustainability. This is reflected in the $76M capital works program.
Overall rates revenue will increase by 3.5% in line with the Victorian Government’s rates cap. Our budget includes a $100 rebate for pensioners at a cost of $1.2 million.
Council faces significant pressure meeting demand for services and facilities amid rising costs associated with construction materials, fuel, utilities and other expenses. This year, we are delivering $1.4 million in operational savings and had to make difficult decisions to delay some projects to ensure we manage our budget in a financially responsible way.
