By BRIDGET SCOTT
Cardinia Shire Council was pleased to adopt the 2014-2015 budget at its last meeting which included the input from residents across the shire.
Cardinia Shire Mayor Graeme Moore thanked the community for its input on the budget which was adopted with the council plan on Monday 16 June.
“Council received 13 submissions and a number of recommendations raised in public submissions were included in the budget,” Cr Moore said.
“Other issues raised will be considered as part of the 2015-16 budget process.”
Cr Moore thanked those who came along to the public information sessions and said their input was much appreciated.
He added that the budget aimed to deliver value for all Cardinia shire residents.
“Our aim is to deliver the infrastructure and services that our communities need while also recognising that many people are doing it tough and that careful financial management is crucial,” he said.
Cr Moore said one of the main focuses with this budget was accommodating for the growing Cardinia shire population and to maintain roads and footpaths.
“I feel this is a very responsible budget,” he said.
“And while none of us are comfortable with rates being higher, Cardinia remains one of the lower rating shires in the urban growth corridor.
“I think most people understand that if we don’t generate income we can’t provide the services that our communities need and deserve.”
Almost $21 million will be invested in new recreation facilities, road and footpath construction and maintenance alongside other significant capital works.
The Lang Lang bypass will receive a $500,000 boost and streets in Kooweerup, upper Beaconsfield and Pakenham will be among those to be sealed.
Projects such as development of Deep Creek Reserve, Pakenham, Pepis Land, Emerald, and the Ash Wednesday memorial at Cockatoo are additional bonuses in the budget.
Other inclusions were Officer Secondary College stadium, continued development of the regional soccer facility at IYU Recreation Reserve in Henry Road, Pakenham, further works at Holm Park Reserve in Beaconsfield and new footpaths.
Council will also invest $14.45 million into renewing and upgrading roads, bridges and footpaths, replacing drainage and improving recreation reserves and sporting facilities.
A grants program worth $450,000 will also support community capital works projects and a further $200,000 has been set aside to implement improvements identified in township strategies.
The budget and council plan are available on the council’s website.
