Manningham Council has adopted its 2020/21 Annual Budget with a focus on cost-effective service delivery, community support and relief.
Developed during and in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, the 2020/21 Annual Budget features an operating budget of $132 million to deliver more than 100 community services with $3 million set aside for COVID-19 community relief. A $49.9 million capital works program will see continued investment in local infrastructure upgrades.
Manningham Mayor, Cr Paul McLeish said as well as significant funding for community services and important infrastructure projects, the budget includes a range of COVID-19 measures designed to support community members in need.
“We have developed this budget for and with our local community. As we find ourselves in extraordinary times, we are aware of the devastating impacts of this crisis and the evolving impacts on our community from a health, social and financial perspective.
“We’re committed to continuing to support our community through the impacts of this pandemic and have designed a budget with relief measures for local businesses, residents, community groups and clubs in 2020/21.
“We’re also continuing to invest in community infrastructure and the employment benefits this delivers.” Cr McLeish said.
Some of the COVID-19 relief measures featured in Council’s 2020/21 Annual Budget include:
- Special payment arrangements for those experiencing financial hardship
- An increase in the Low Income Rate Rebate from $64.25 to $100
- Additional support services for older residents
- 50% discount on footpath trading and trader parking permits
- 50% discount on food and health premises registrations
- A new local business development program
- Rent and lease relief plus subsidies on utilities costs for clubs and community groups
- The introduction of a COVID-19 community relief fund.
Manningham rate payers will not see an increase in waste service charges, despite significantly increased costs to Council resulting from a 30% increase in the State Government’s landfill levy. In line with the State Government’s rate cap, Council’s 2020/21 budget includes an average general rate increase of 2.0%.
“This year we have identified a range of initiatives to deliver in the final year of our four year Council Plan across the themes of healthy community, liveable places and spaces, resilient environment, prosperous and vibrant economy and well governed Council.
“Our $49.9 million capital works program includes funding for road and drainage works, parks and playspace upgrades, improvements to footpath and cycle paths, community buildings, recreation facilities and more.
“Some of the feature projects include the major upgrade of soccer facilities at Pettys Reserve in Templestowe, improvements to Lions Park within the Warrandyte River Reserve and $800,000 for playspace upgrades in various parks across Manningham, as part of our new 10 Year Park Improvement Program” Cr McLeish said.
Manningham Council’s 2020/21 Annual Budget is available for viewing at manningham.vic.gov.au/budget
