Council rate rise released

By Casey Neill
KNOX Council has allocated an extra $448,797 for projects and initiatives following community submissions to its 2008-09 budget.
Knox Council formally adopted the $114.8 million budget at its 24 June meeting.
Meanwhile, the Shire of Yarra Ranges also approved its 2008-09 budget, which features a record $41 million capital works allocation.
Knox homeowners will pay an extra $20 a week on average after a 6.42 per cent rate hike was approved.
The second instalment of a three-year infrastructure levy makes up 2 per cent of the rise, which is aimed at clearing a backlog of council repairs and refurbishments.
Knox Council received 26 written submissions between the draft budget’s release for public response on 20 May and the closing date for submissions on 13 June.
Submitters included representatives of The Friends of Blind Creek Billabong, Knox Historical Society, Knox and District Woodworkers Club, Knox Ratepayers Association and The Knox Environment Society.
Twelve people spoke to their submissions at a hearing on 17 June.
Knox mayor Jim Penna said: “Their involvement really puts the finishing touches on a budget that will deliver some great outcomes for Knox.”
In total, the community’s submissions resulted in an additional $448,797 being allocated for community projects and initiatives.
As a result of community feedback, an extra $180,000 has been allocated for energy efficiency initiatives in addition to $7.5 million already set aside for sustainability projects.
The council received a number of submissions regarding the installation of a concrete footpath on the eastern side of Forest Road between Hunter Street and Olivebank Road in Ferntree Gully, resulting in a $100,500 council commitment to the project.
Ferntree Gully North Primary School’s principal Stuart Edwards said participants in the school’s Walking School Bus program were among those forced to cross the busy road to access a footpath on the other side.
The council will contribute $83,297 to the Knox and District Woodworkers Club $162,800 clubroom extension.
According to the club’s budget submission, it was informed in May that its application to the Howard Government’s Regional Partnerships Program would not be considered for funding after the Federal Government cancelled the program. Cr Karin Orpen said the group assisted unemployed and retired people and was important to Knox.
Gardens for Wildlife will also receive $15,000 in administrative support.
The program encourages residents to act to protect and enhance the local biodiversity.
“It’s wonderful that we can make room for these projects in our 2008-09 budget,” Cr Penna said.
“They’re all worthwhile initiatives that will have a positive impact in Knox — not just for the coming financial year but for years to come.”
The additional funding will be sourced from an expected increase in grants from the Victorian Grants Commission, additional capital works savings from the 2007-08 financial year, and referring part of the funds allocated for the Knox Park Pavilion upgrade to the 2009-10 budget.
Asset renewal, arts and aged care topped the agenda in the Shire of Yarra Ranges $122.2 million 2008-2009 budget.
Key capital works funding will include $14.97 million for major projects, $13.02 million for local roads, $2.13 million for building maintenance and upgrades, $2.35 million for open spaces including sports grounds, playgrounds and trail and $1.02 million for township development.
The budget also includes a range of new initiatives totalling $1.8 million that will help growing community needs.
Homeowners in the shire will face an average rate rise of 4.25 per cent, or $52 per year, which was described by the council’s corporate services director, Mick Cummins, as modest.
Community services including aged care and support for people with a disability will receive $7.1 million, programs for families, children and young people $7 million, while $2.5 million will go to economic and community development and $2.28 million to support the region’s arts, culture and heritage development.