Wyndham Council’s draft budget includes a record $133.11 million for capital works to be spent on big-ticket items including roads, parks and community centres.
The proposed budget, which was presented at a council meeting on Tuesday night, will be open for community consultation until May 31.
Wyndham mayor Henry Barlow said $35 million had been allocated for the area’s roads, including $9 million for the extension of Armstrong Road in Wyndham Vale, between Greens and Black Forest Roads.
Cr Barlow said another $20 million had been devoted to open space projects, such as commencing the redevelopment of Wyndham Park in Werribee’s CBD.
Cr Barlow said a further $6.34 million had been assigned to upgrade the Tarneit, Wyndham Vale and Point Cook community centres.
The proposed capital works program also includes:
-The completion of the Chirnside Park Hub Precinct development.
-Construction of the Western Animal Facility.
-Completion of the Williams Landing Boulevard Reserve ovals and landscape project.
-Construction of the Baden Powell active youth space.
The planned spending on roads includes the completion of the Tarneit Road duplication, between the Good News School and Hogans Road.
The reconstruction and widening of Hoppers Lane, between the Princes Highway and the Princes Freeway interchange at Sneydes Road, is also on the agenda.
Cr Barlow said the council had drafted a four-year plan for the Wyndham area, which would tie into Wyndham 2040, the long-term vision for the municipality.
“This budget will provide the funding needed to make the first year of this plan a reality,” he said. “A lot has changed in Wyndham since I was first elected mayor 17 years ago.
“The demand on the services council provides is greater than ever and this budget and city plan will ensure that we continue to provide for our growing community.”
The Wyndham 2040 plan was officially adopted by the council in 2015.
Wyndham 2040 outlined the council’s future hopes for the municipality, including that it will be a “family friendly city” with a connected, healthy and welcoming community proud of its diversity, culture, art, Aboriginal heritage and history. A special council meeting will be held on June 13 to consider community submissions to the 2017-18 budget and city plan.
See wyndham.vic.gov.au for details.
