By Esther Lauaki
A new library for Williams Landing and major road and open space upgrades are among the highlights of a $140 million capital works allocation in Wyndham council’s Annual Plan and Budget.
Council last week adopted its 2019-20 budget which included $1.2 million towards the new library, $6.9 million to complete the redevelopment of Wyndham Park and $900,000 to upgrade signals at key intersections.
Mayor Mia Shaw said it looked like “an exciting year ahead” for Wyndham. “This year we’ve allocated almost $140 million to building the infrastructure our community needs for roads, community centres, sporting reserves, and more,” Cr Shaw said.
“The plan also outlines our vision, plans and strategies that will guide us over the coming year, and into the future.”
Some big ticket items included $11 million for various road reconstructions and resurfacing across the municipality, $15.57 million to the provision of kindergarten and children’s care services and $11.29 million for maternal child health and immunisation services.
Another $4.57 million will be spent on providing in-home care support to enable older residents to live independently, $1.74 million on tennis courts, oval and pavilion upgrades at Galvin Park and $1.37 million for community grants.
Cr Shaw said there were many road works under way across the municipality and council re-prioritised its program to minimise the impact on motorists as well as making sure that there will be contractors available to do the work in a timely manner.
“This budget delivers not only essential infrastructure projects such as road and park upgrades, it also features a range of city-shaping projects that will contribute to the overall liveability of the city now and into the future,” Cr Shaw said.
Total rates for 2019-20 will increase by an average of 2.5 per cent in line with the state government imposed rate cap.
However, individual properties will be impacted differently depending on the outcome of annual valuer general property valuations.
Details: wyndham.vic.gov.au
