WYNDHAM Council is proposing a $23million drop in capital works funding as it tries to secure the municipality’s financial future.
The draft budget includes an $83million capital works program, down from last year’s record $106million.
The council says $45.7million will be used for new projects. The remaining $38.1million will be spent on upgrade and renewal of existing assets.
A feature of the program is planned upgrades to arterial roads, with $29million set aside for 42 road projects. Among the funding is $1million to duplicate Sneydes Road between Point Cook and Hacketts Roads.
Cr Bob Fairclough said the funding highlighted the council’s focus on improving Wyndham’s road network. “This project has the potential to provide long suffering residents of Point Cook with another entry point to the Princes Highway … but it can only be achieved if the state government commits to funding an interchange at the Princes Highway.”
Also included in the budget is $9.3million for site optimisation at the Wyndham Leisure and Events Centre in preparation for the centre’s upgrade.
Chaffey ward will also benefit from $2.1million to build a kinder and children’s centre at Tarneit North and $387,000 for a library at the Tarneit Community Centre. -Laura Little
