The budget strives to maintain a critical balance between costs, quality, and value to our ratepayers.
The budget proposes a rate increase of 2.25 per cent. This is in line with the Victorian Government’s new Fair Go Rates System which has capped rates increases by Victorian councils to the forecast movement of 2.25 per cent in the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
We are proud to present a budget that maintains our current service levels without the need to apply for an exemption to the rate cap. We have achieved this by working together to approach the budget with balance, fairness and operational efficiency in mind.
This budget is community focused and continues to achieve the goals and objectives of the Council Plan.
The Annual Budget presents a financially responsible budget that maintains all services and infrastructure from the previous year as well as delivering projects and services that are valued by our community.
Key highlights of the Annual Budget include
- Continued progress to achieve the goals and objectives of the Council Plan
- Delivery of a large capital works program
- Delivery of high quality services and programs for the community
- Maintenance of our long term financial sustainability
- No borrowings
Sustainability initiatives include
- Doubling solar power in Darebin
- Supporting the foundation of the Darebin Energy Foundation and the Darebin Nature Trust
- Dramatically improving walking and cycling infrastructure
- Continued implementation of the Climate Emergency Plan
- Investment in range of energy efficient initiatives
Community initiatives include
- Ongoing provision of over 100 services to residents, businesses and community groups from the early years - maternal and child health and family services - through to retirement and seniors activities. Services also include waste collection, youth services, libraries, arts programs, festivals and more
- Preparation of a Community Engagement Strategy to support Councils deep commitment to increasing community participation in all of our decision making processes
- Ongoing support and advocacy to strengthen our diverse and multicultural community
- Ongoing review of our services to respond to changing community needs, significant population growth, financial challenges
Public infrastructure initiatives include
- Commencement of a new multi-purpose stadium (WMSS) at John Cain Reserve to provide more sports opportunities for women and girls
- Planning for future improvements to the Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre and the Resevoir Leisure Centre
- A wide program of improvements and new works in our parks, open spaces, playgrounds and sporting facilities across the municipality
- Ongoing investment to ensure our critical assets and infrastructure are maintained including roads, footpaths and drains
- The ongoing provision of an outstanding performing arts and cultural programme
- Works to reinvigorate the Darebin Arts Centre
Strategy and planning initiatives include
- A significant program of strategic initiatives aimed at setting out a long term, integrated plan for the future of the City and guiding land use, development, housing affordability, future community and physical infrastructure and transport requirements and opportunities for economic growth
- Finalisation of a new Open Space Strategy and the preparation of controls to ensure ongoing funding for open space to support our growing community.
- A new developer contributions levy for infrastructure to serve our growing community
- Commencement of the Preston Urban Design Framework including updating the structure plan to ensure we have a clear plan to address growth and change in and around Preston
Adopted Budget 2018/19
Strategic Resource Plan 2018-2022
2017/2018 Budget
Annual Budget 2017/18
Strategic Resource Plan 2017-2021
Further Information
Allan Cochrane
Manager Finance
Phone: 8470 8619
Email: Annual.Budget@darebin.vic.gov.au