$13m for aged

By Casey Neill
CLIMATE change, aged care and asset renewal top the agenda in Knox Council’s $114.5 million 2008/2009 draft budget.
Almost $13 million has been allocated for aged care services.
CEO Graeme Emonson said Knox was facing an increasing aged population.
“We do have this wave coming towards us and we do need to be prepared for it,” he said.
The council will spend $14.7 million on community asset renewal, with the council focussed on restoring current structures rather than new projects.
Cr Adam Gill said rejuvenating assets now would save future generations a bigger hassle.
“It’s about investing now to stop higher costs later,” he said.
“You’ve got to be responsible.”
The budget is also geared towards the council’s goal of achieving zero net carbon emissions by 2025, with $230,000 to go towards tackling climate change, including $120,000 for the council’s Greenleaf behavioural change program.
Homeowners will face an average rate rise of 6.42 per cent, including the second instalment of the three-year infrastructure levy.
On average, Ferntree Gully residents will see a rate rise of 4.24 per cent, while Boronia homeowners will pay about 8.42 per cent more each year.
Knoxfield residential properties will average a 7.8 per cent rate hike, while on average Upper Ferntree Gully residents will pay 1.15 per cent less than they did last year.
The council has allocated $170,000 towards designing the long awaited Boronia warm water facility.
The 15×10-metre pool at Knox Leisureworks will have ramp access, purpose built change rooms and other custom features.
From June, the community can have its say on the proposal before the council begins design and project preparations.
“We want to make sure the path we take from here includes key community groups who will use the pool and who have been waiting for it for a long time,” Cr Jim Penna said.
A proposed $780,000 Knox Park pavilion upgrade includes new change rooms and showering facilities, first aid and office capabilities and new umpires’ rooms.
Friberg Ward councillor Debbie Field said the upgrades would benefit everyone who used the ‘iconic’ facility.
Pedestrian signals will be installed at Ferntree Gully and Kathryn Road following the recent opening of the Gilbert Park Skate Park, at a cost of $350,000.
Another $220,000 has been allocated to investigate stormwater harvesting as an option for rejuvenating sports grounds, while municipal elections in November are set to cost about $400,000.
The budget also incorporates the compulsory 30 per cent increase in councillor allowances from the next election.
“We don’t get elected to do nothing, we get elected to do something, and this is a whole lot of something,” Cr David Cooper said.
Residents can make written submissions on the draft budget until 13 June.
A council committee will meet on 17 June to consider submissions before the budget is formally adopted on 24 June.
A public information session will be held on Monday 2 June.