By ALANA MITCHELSON
CARDINIA Shire Council has this week formally adopted its 2016-’17 budget.
After much rate capping speculation in the months leading up to the budget announcement, Mayor Jodie Owen said Cardinia Council did not seek a variation in council rates.
“The rates raise will be 2.5 per cent as per State Government legislation,” she said.
“A great financial outcome for all Cardinia residents,” she added.
Cardinia Ratepayers and Residents Association president Gloria O’Connor said she was surprised that the adoption of the budget meeting had not been held during a general council or town planning meeting as per previous years.
“I don’t think many people knew about the meeting beforehand, and I wonder about its timing especially following a busy long weekend and on a Tuesday evening,” Ms O’Connor said.
“This year’s budget is probably very significant due to the rates being capped at 2.5 per cent, surely a bit of a milestone in local council’s budgeting history.
“Its success will be crucial to the future of the government rates capping policy.”
Council made some changes to minor figures, but kept the main figures and capital works program.
The 2016-’17 council budget has committed more than $36 million to new community and recreation facilities, road construction and maintenance, and other significant capital.
An additional $9.16 million will be spent on new and existing assets in Cardinia Shire, compared to the previous budget.
Key projects include sporting and recreation facilities in Pakenham, Officer, Lang Lang and Emerald.
Council said road and footpath renewal, and maintenance across the shire would continue to be a priority.
