Monash Bulletin - 13 June 2006

Proposed $9.1 Million Capital Projects Boost in Budget

Monash City Council will give a $9.1 million boost to its capital works program as part of its proposed 2006-07 Budget.

Mayor Joy Banerji said today the capital works program was proposed to rise from last year's $24.3 million figure to $33.4 million in 2006/07, with the Clayton Community Centre and increases to roads, drainage and building works being major features.

" The $25.7 million Clayton Community Centre is clearly the big ticket item, but there are also significant increases in funding for basic infrastructure such as roads, drainage and building works. Funding has also been provided for the re-development of the site of the aquatic facilities at the Oakleigh Recreation Centre," Cr Banerji said.

She said Council had developed a budget that balanced the need for maintaining and improving physical assets and services with the challenge of meeting a range of growing external cost pressures.

Total rate revenue will increase by 8.95%. Fees and charges will rise by an average of 2%.

A revaluation of all properties in Monash has revealed that commercial and industrial property values have increased at a much higher rate than residential properties. This will mean that commercial and industrial property owners will pay a higher proportion of rates, while two-thirds of householders will have a rate increase of less than 5%.

"The $25.7 million Clayton Community Centre is the big ticket item, but there are also significant increases in funding for basic infrastructure such as roads, drainage and building works. Funding has also been provided for there development of the site of the aquatic facilities at the Oakleigh Recreation Centre," Cr Banerji said.

"Rate rises over the next three years of the Financial Plan are expected to revert to 6% per annum."

• Design of the Clayton Community Centre ($9.6 million in 2006)
• $5.4 million for roads and footpaths (an increase of $278,000)
• $1.6 million for strategic drainage (an increase of $915,000)
• $1.75 million for the Mulgrave Community Centre
• $3.5 million for re-development of the Oakleigh Recreation Centre ($570,000 in 2006)
• $1.5 million for the resolution of car parking in the Oakleigh District Centre
• $858,000 to upgrade the library book collection
• $600,000 for sports pavilion upgrades
• $565,000 to improve retail strips and district centres
• $475,000 to extend the small business incubator, the Monash Enterprise Centre
• $350,000 to relocate the Halcyon Adult Day Care Centre
• $260,000 to continue the Equitable Access program

• Council's website - Proposed Budget 2006-2007
• Monash Civic Centre, 293 Springvale Road, Glen Waverley
• Oakleigh Service Centre, Atherton Road
• All Monash public libraries

The public is invited to make written submissions on any proposal contained in the proposed budget but they must reach Council by 5pm Friday, 23 June 2006.

Submissions should be addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, Monash City Council, P.O. Box 1, Glen Waverley, 3150.

Oakleigh Pool Not to Re-Open

Council has resolved not to re-open the aquatic facilities at the Oakleigh Recreation Centre due to concerns that minimum acceptable operating standards could not be met.

Re-establishment of the existing pools was dismissed on the grounds of cost, insufficient patronage and the proximity of neighbouring aquatic centres.

A consultation program on future options for the site is planned to commence after September. There will be no changes to the gym, indoor courts and childcare areas at the Centre.

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Published: 13 June 2006

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