$10m plans dumped

By Casey Neill
PLAYGROUNDS, staff safety and youth binge drinking education have missed out on cash boosts in Knox Council’s proposed funding allocations for the year ahead.
More than 170 projects totalling $10.1 million were left unfunded in its $115.785 million 2009-10 draft budget.
A proposed $75,000 for playground inspections and $40,000 for playground maintenance did not receive council approval.
But engineering and infrastructure director Ian Bell said playground safety remained a high council priority.
Mr Bell said the council inspected playgrounds every six weeks to ensure they were safe and met Australian Standards.
He said the cash sought in the 2009-10 proposed budget was additional to allow “even more frequent inspections”.
Mr Bell said the council had also allocated $40,000 in the draft budget for two independent playground audits.
Councillors also decided against allocating $110,000 to combat youth binge drinking and encourage safe parties in Knox.
The project would highlight the consequence of excessive and uncontrolled alcohol consumption in high-risk settings.
Community services director Kerry Stubbings said the proposal stemmed from discussions between council staff, Knox police and Knox Community Health Service.
“This discussion group was interested in reducing youth binge drinking in the community, and increasing public awareness about the health and social consequences,” she said.
Ms Stubbings said the council would continue to monitor the impact of unsafe parties in Knox and work with Knox Community Health Service and police.
Knox Community Arts Centre and Ferntree Gully Community Centre missed out on a $49,000 safety boost.
Audit committees recommended an alarm system, security staff visits and security cameras at Knox Community Arts Centre and cameras at Ferntree Gully Community Centre.
Corporate services director Mark Dupe said staff safety remained a high priority.
“In fact, a number of initiatives have been undertaken to help reduce risk beyond the additional funding sought,” he said.
Mr Dupe said the council introduced EFT and online payment options to minimise cash handling, but the proposals would remain on the funding agenda.
He said four after-hours break-ins had occurred at the Ferntree Gully site over the past two years, but the Bayswater arts centre had been crime free.
Councillors will officially endorse the 2009-10 budget at their 28 July meeting.
Knox residents have until Friday 26 June to make formal submissions.
They can speak at a hearing on Thursday 2 July. They must make an appointment by calling Helen Lee on 9298 8203 by 26 June.
The budget is available from www.knox.vic.gov.au, Knox Civic Centre, 511 Burwood Highway, Wantirna South, Rowville Customer Service Centre at Stud Park Shopping Centre and Knox libraries.