Greater Dandenong City Council has adopted its Budget 2023-24 and strategic plans, which includes a $58 million capital works program.
Council CEO, Jacqui Weatherill said Council’s strategic plans will ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the Council.
“Council retains a strong focus on the future needs for this municipality and the Budget 2023-24 is a realistic and responsible budget influenced by current cost of living and inflationary pressures,” she said.
“Like many households and businesses, Council faces increased energy and construction costs. The key challenge over the next decade will be keeping rates affordable by meeting the Victorian Government imposed rate cap.”
Mayor, Eden Foster said the current economic climate would not restrict Council’s ambitions and expectations.
“Council is committed to making things better for our residents and to protect and enhance vital services in the City of Greater Dandenong. Our capital program continues to invest in community facilities and infrastructure totalling more than $58 million in 2023-24. This will boost local construction and employment opportunities,” said the Mayor.
The 2023-24 Budget also includes significant building projects including the design for the Dandenong Community Hub ($2 million) and construction of the Keysborough South Community Hub ($11 million), the Dandenong New Art gallery ($3 million), the Dandenong Wellbeing Centre ($5.5 million), the Precinct Energy Plant (PEP) and the kitchen upgrade at Lyndale Secondary College Pavilion.
Over $9 million will be invested in active reserves, passive open space and lighting to improve the safety and quality of the city’s natural environment.
Council has also chosen to progress the Greening Our City tree planting program to increase the green cover in the municipality at a faster rate than originally planned, adding $268,000 to the 2023-24 operating expenditure budget.
Nearly $8 million of capital expenditure has been allocated to road resurfacing, rehabilitation and reconstruction programs.
To achieve this level of capital works investment in 2023-24, Council has sought several funding sources other than rates, including borrowings, grant funding and transfers from internal reserves.