Tag: budget

Maroondah City Council Adopts 2010-2011 Draft Budget and 2010-2014 Council Plan

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This evening Maroondah City Council met to debate the 2010/2011 Draft Budget and the 2010 to 2014 Council Plan.  The Council Plan provides an overview of priorities over the next four years to ensure that objectives can be measured and achieved, while the Council Budget reinforces the objectives specified in the four year plan, through the allocation of resources.

Council adopted both the Draft Budget and the Council Plan, which means that both documents are placed on public exhibition. Unlike State and Federal Governments, community members can formally comment on Council’s draft budget and plan through a written submission process. Furthermore these submitters can be heard at a panel hearing that will be held on Wednesday the 23rd of June, with all submissions being taken into account prior to the finalisation of both documents.

Council’s Draft Budget supports a new long-term strategy for Maroondah City Council, whereby the Council will be delivering an operating surplus within the next two years.  Previously, Maroondah City Council was operating at a deficit and was forecast to do so for at least the next five years.  A Council is like any other organisation and cannot continually run at a deficit and would have severely restricted the Council’s ability to invest in community facilities in coming years.

While the Budget maintains existing levels of service to our community, it also includes several new initiatives, including the complete rebuilding of the Ringwood Aquatic Centre into a new $48 million leisure facility. This project, the largest in the history of the City of Maroondah and its predecessor councils, will deliver a a new level of facilities within the municipality, accommodating diving, swimming, fitness and recreational water usage.  The new Aquatic Centre will reinforce Ringwood’s status as  Central Activities District and demonstrate that Council is committed to a vibrant, sustainable and accessible urban centre.

In addition, Council will undertake a structure plan for Heathmont, to protect the amenity of the area and provide certainty for the community in regard to developmental pressures.  Furthermore Council will be undertaking an assessment of community facilities, which will be completed by October.  This assessment will make it easier to identify the availability of community facilities for groups within the community, as well as any shortages of space.

The median rate increase has been estimated at $1.88 per household and while no one likes raising rates, it is critical that we have a Council that has the capacity to deliver positive outcomes for the community both now and into the future.  The Draft Budget delivers a financially sustainable and socially responsible municipality and I encourage the Maroondah community read through these documents.

Maroondah Leader: Ignored yet again

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One of the key priorities for the Maroondah City Council and our community is the complete redevelopment of Ringwood Station so that it becomes a safe, accessible and integrated transport interchange.  While the State Government is planning to begin works on the bus interchange and station forecourt in July, no commitment has been received for the redevelopment of the station itself.

The Maroondah Leader has reported on Ringwood Station being ignored in the State Government Budget that was unveiled last week.

Maroondah Mayor Alex Makin said the council was disappointed the railway station, which does not comply with disability standards was ignored.

“The council views the redevelopment of the station as our top community advocacy priority,” Cr Makin said.  “It is a central vision as part of the Ringwood central activities district, and we’ll be calling on all political parties to commit to this before the station election.”

Ringwood Station currently fails disability compliance standards with some residents resorting to the use of a bus service to Box Hill, which takes an hour to complete its journey, just to avoid the steep, dark and narrow ramps at Ringwood Station.  It is clear that Ringwood Station is in need of a complete redevelopment and Council will be advocating strongly for a commitment for a safe, accessible and integrated transport interchange in the lead up to the State Election.

State Government 2010-2011 Budget Breakfast

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The State Budget was delivered on Tuesday, and while several funding streams have been announced, including further funds for sporting and community facilities, there little new initiatives allocated specifically to projects within Maroondah.

The Budget Breakfast has hosted by James Merlino, the Member for Monbulk and the Minster for Sport, Recreation, Youth Affairs and Minister Assisting the Premier on Multicultural Affairs, with the Treasurer John Lenders providing an overview on the Budget.

One of the most disappointing aspects of the Budget was the lack of further funding towards the redevelopment of Ringwood Station. The Treasurer spoke extensively about how the State Government is implementing its various plans and while this is certainly positive, it is disappointing that there is not a long-term plan involving the Central Activity Districts across Melbourne.

I asked the Treasurer a question requesting that the Government deliver a plan for Melbourne’s Central Activities District, which would provide confidence and investment certainty within these areas. While Councils, like Maroondah, can deliver Masterplans and Precinct Plans to envisage the desired character of the area, there is a need for State Government investment to provide much needed infrastructure for the designated Central Activity Districts.

The top priority for Ringwood is the complete redevelopment of Ringwood Station, a project that thus far has not been identified in the State Government’s Transport Plan or its planning initiatives. While the State Government has committed #39 million to the redevelopment of the bus interchange and station forecourt this will not resolve the fundamental issue of accessibility and the lack of passenger amenities.

Maroondah Council and the community support the transformation into Ringwood as a Central Activity District, it is now time for the State Government to demonstrate its commitment towards this vision through funding the complete redevelopment of Ringwood Station so it becomes an accessible, integrated and safe transport interchange.

Maroondah Journal: Council burden may increase

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Local government has extensive reporting requirements to a myriad of State Government departments and agencies.  Recently however, the State Government has requested that the Essential Services Commission consider additional indicators and reporting requirements for local government.

The draft report from the Essential Services Commission has suggested an additional 65 indicators, which would cost up to an additional $40,000 in Council’s budget.

The Maroondah Journal has reported on the impact these indicators would have on local Government:

Maroondah Mayor Alex Makin said the proposal would “add nothing” to Maroondah in terms of service delivery or extracting the best value from ratepayers’ dollars.

“While Maroondah appreciates the necessity and benefits of compliance, it’s come to a stage where enough is enough, as costs spiral out of control.”

The City of Melbourne in conjunction with Councils across the state has developed an alternative framework to the recommendations made by the Essential Services Commission. Maroondah City Council is currently considering supporting this alternative, as it would provide a measurable and relevant set of indicators for the local government sector.

“If the council is forced to work within the Essential Services Commission’s proposed reported framework then money to enable compliance would have to be sourced from Maroondah’s budget,” Mr Makin said. “These funds could be better directed to providing vital infrastructure projects and services for the Maroondah community.”

It is important that any performance indicators are relevant and measurable across the sector and it is hoped that the Essential Services Commission will revise its recommendations in response to the feedback from local government.

Maroondah Leader: Council hopes Ringwood station cash is on track

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The State Government will release its budget on the 4th of May, whereby it will be hoped that funding towards the complete redevelopment of Ringwood Station will be committed.

The Maroondah Leader has reported on the desired redevelopment of Ringwood Station, which is Maroondah’s number one priority for State Government funding.

Maroondah Mayor Alex Makin said that with work expecting to start on the $39.1 million bus interchange and town centre facelift in the next few months, now was the time to act.

“The council is asking that stage two of the redevelopment be funded so it can be done concurrently, instead of having two distinct projects,” he said.

While works on the redevelopment of the bus interchange and station forecourt are expected to begin this July, the current funding excludes the Station itself, meaning that Ringwood Station will still not meet accessibility standards.  It is essential that funding is committed for the complete redevelopment of Ringwood Station so that Maroondah is provided with a safe, accessible and integrated transport interchange.

The City of Maroondah is calling on the State Government to pledge the required funding for the complete redevelopment of Ringwood Station.

Maroondah Journal: One step at a time for Mayor

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One of the first initiatives I implemented as Mayor was to return the Mayoral car, meaning I would continue to utilise sustainable transport, such as buses, trains and walking when undertaking Council commitments.

The Maroondah Journal has reported on my usage of sustainable forms of transport within my Mayoral term:

Maroondah mayor Alex Makin has put his money where his mouth is, returning his mayoral vehicle to use public transport to get to council appointments. The long-time public transport advocate, gave up the car when he became mayor in December, putting the money back into the budget to benefit ratepayers.

Traditionally the Mayor of Maroondah has been provided with a car, which is traded in every two years. As Mayor I gave in the car providing a saving to Council and reinforcing the importance of sustainable transport within Maroondah.

Cr Makin said he had decided to give up the mayoral car because he wanted to lead by example.

“I live within the Ringwood central activities district, an area where the council is encouraging sustainable forms of transport, such as public transport and walking. It would be hypocritical for the mayor to use the car when living in an area where we are encouraging sustainable transport.”

Cr Makin said he planned his travel in advance to arrive at his appointments on time, but the lack of links between bus and train services could cause difficulties at times.

However, he said time spent travelling was sometimes a bonus.

“I tend to do a lot of council work on the move, whether it be phone calls or emails, while using public transport, so this time is quite efficiently used in terms of catching up with work.

“Certainly there is a benefit in terms of fitness and seeing Maroondah first-hand on a street-by-street basis.

“Public transport and walking also provides a great opportunity to speak to residents and community members and helps convey the role of being mayor and a councillor,” he said.

Cr Makin said he hoped future mayors of Maroondah would follow in his footsteps by using public transport where they could.

The mayoral car was traded in and replaced with a travel allowance, which Cr Makin said had provided a saving.

“It also demonstrates that councils should consider flexibility when providing travel, rather than following the standard formula of providing a car for the mayor.”

The transformation of Ringwood depends on public transport improvements to encourage sustainable forms of transport. As a Mayor that lives within the Ringwood Central Activities District I believe it is important to lead by example and demonstrate that public transport can be a viable form of transport.

While frequency and operating span improvements are required, particularly for bus services and off-peak rail travel, Maroondah does have the foundations of an integrated and functional public transport system. Complemented by Maroondah’s walking trails, sustainable forms of transport should be encouraged within the municipality.

Maroondah Leader: Stink over bid to raise landfill levy

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The State Government charges a landfill levy, which applies to municipal, commercial and industrial and prescribed industrial wastes that are deposited onto licensed facilities in Victoria. The State Government recently announced an increase in the levy from $9 to $30 per tonne, which will have an adverse financial effect on local government, since councils provide waste management services on behalf of their respective communities.

The Maroondah Leader has reported on this increase and the ramifications it will have for Maroondah City Council.

Last week, Maroondah Mayor Alex Makin, said the plans to increase landfill levies would result in higher council rates for residents.

“Council can confirm that the increase to landfill levies would need to be accounted for in Maroondah’s annual budget,” he said. “This would likely be covered by a rise in overall municipal rates and charges.”

The Mayors and CEOs of councils across the Eastern Suburbs met on Thursday the 25th of March, whereby the Councils unanimously questioned the timing and magnitude of the levy.

While the levy is used to promote recycling and the sustainable use of resources, there was very little consultation across local government, despite the cost it will have for Councils and the community.

While I can certainly appreciate the Government’s intent in encouraging sustainable waste management, it is imperative that all levels of government operate cooperatively to ensure the best outcomes for the community, as such sufficient consultation should have been undertaken with local government and the community.

Media Release: Size and Timing of Landfill Levy Opposed

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The Eastern Region Mayors Group (ERMG) has written to Premier John Brumby urging the state government to reconsider the magnitude and timing of their recent announcement increasing landfill levies from 2010 and beyond.

Knox Mayor Councillor Joe Cossari said the Mayors of the eastern metropolitan region are deeply concerned about this announcement as it could have significant impact on Councils’ 2010/2011 budgets.

“Councils put a great deal of effort into preparing long-term financial plans to assist responsible planning and management. Significant financial burdens imposed at such short notice greatly impact the ability of Councils to deliver prudent and responsible financial management,” Cr Cossari said.

Councils are in the process of finalising draft budgets for 2010/2011 and are about to take them out to the community for consultation as required by the Local Government Act (1989).

Mayor of Maroondah, Cr Alex Makin, said an increase in landfill levies will impact on rates and charges in 2010/2011.

“Council can confirm that the any increase to landfill levies would need to be accounted for in Maroondah’s 2010/2011 Budget,” Cr Makin said.

“This would likely be covered by a rise in overall municipal rates and charges,” Cr Makin said.

“The exact rise has not yet been determined because of the number of variables coming into play when forming the Budget. However, we should be prepared for an additional rate rise if the State Government is successful in increasing landfill levies,” Cr Makin said.

Cr Cossari said the ERMG supported the increased recycling opportunities that would be created by the levy increase.

“However, we have advised Mr Brumby that there has been no consultation with Councils about this decision, which is most disappointing given that Councils are expected to collect the increased levies as well as implement various components of the program,” Cr Cossari said.

The magnitude and timing of the increase in landfill levies is expected to have a major and critical impact on 2010/2011 Council budgets resulting in significant last minute increases in Council rates and gate fees at Council transfer stations.

“Initial assessments indicate that in some municipalities there will be a need to increase rates by more than one per cent in 2010/2011 to offset the increase, together with significant increases in gate charges at transfer stations,” Cr Cossari said.

The increase in landfill levies for 2010/2011 from $9 per tonne to $30 tonne represents a massive increase of 233% in one year alone.

“The Mayors feel that Councils are being used as a state collection agency and are fearful that they will face the brunt of community backlash for the costs to comply with state decisions,” Cr Cossari said.

– ENDS –

Maroondah Journal: Drive is on for major boost to trains, buses

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The Eastern Transport Coalition’s “monster petition” was launched this morning at Monash University. The petition has six key requests calling the State Government to improve public transport infrastructure across the region:

  1. A full and public feasibility study for a heavy rail line to Rowville,
  2. A full and public feasibility study for a heavy rail line to Doncaster,
  3. A greater commitment to the extension of the Metro rail tunnel from Domain to Caulfield,
  4. A full and public feasibility study for an increase in capacity on the Belgrave/Lilydale and Glen Waverley lines,
  5. Improved facilities for passengers, particularly at interchanges located in central activity districts – Ringwood, Dandenong and Box Hill,
  6. Fully accessible public transport facilities and vehicles

Maroondah Council’s representative on the coalition, Cr Alex Makin, called on the Government to finish the Ringwood Station upgrade.

These requests include the much needed upgrade of Ringwood Station to ensure that Ringwood is provided with a safe, accessible and easy to access transport interchange.

“The State Government through its budget has committed $39million towards an upgrade of the Ringwood central activities district but that funding excludes the physical station itself.

While the State Government has committed funding for the Ringwood bus interchange and station forecourt, works to the station itself are currently not part of this project scope.

“Ringwood railway station currently fails disability compliance standards because its ramps are narrow and very hard to access. It’s also difficult to access for mums with prams and students with heavy backpacks.”

The Monster Petition will be spending a month at each member council and will visit Maroondah during November.

2009-2010 State Budget Breakfast

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This morning I attended the 2009-2010 State Government’s budget breakfast, hosted by the James Merlino, Member for Monbulk and the Minister for Sports, Recreation and Youth Affairs, as well as Tammy Lobato the Member for Gembrook.

The breakfast included a presentation from the Treasurer John Lenders, who spoke about the challenges facing Victoria in coming years and the initiatives announced within the Budget.

The State Government has announced and budgeted for the $39 million redevelopment of the Ringwood Station forecourt and bus interchange. Unfortunately the State Government has not been forthcoming with funding for the second stage of this project, which would presumably include the redevelopment of the station itself, so that it would comply with disability compliance and provide passenger conveniences on the main platforms.

While the first stage of the project will certainly assist in improving the image of Ringwood Station, it is imperative that the State Government promptly provides funding for the second stage.

Several public transport improvements are expected over the next year, including further bus improvements and additional trains. It is hoped that this Budget marks the beginning of a real emphasis on public transport to mitigate traffic congestion and provide a sustainable and accessible form of travel.