By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
CASEY residents will face an average $62 rates and waste hike under the council’s draft 2015-’16 budget, which was released for public comment on Sunday.
The 3.87 per cent increase – comprising a 5 per cent rate rise, less a small dip in garbage collection charges – helps pay for the council’s $91 million capital works program.
Among the projects funded is construction of the $125 million cultural centre Bunjil Place at Narre Warren, which was allocated $10 million of federal funds last week.
Other proposed works include Casey Indoor Leisure Centre, Cranbourne West Family and Community Centre, Endeavour Hills Community Precinct and a sports upgrade at Gleneagles Secondary College.
Mayor Mick Morland said the capital works spend keeps pace with Casey’s fast-growing population and rising demand for community services and infrastructure.
“Council understands the financial pressures facing families, so we have worked hard to keep rates as low as possible,” Cr Morland said.
“In fact, thanks to careful budgeting, Casey residents enjoy one of the lowest rates per household in outer metropolitan Melbourne.”
That average is $1392 rates plus a $302 garbage charge.
Cr Morland said the budget had been hit by higher utility costs, cost-shifting and reduced state and federal grants.
However, the council’s budget papers show overall grants were $57 million, up from $51 million in 2014-’15 but the council suffered cost-shifts for home and community care, school crossing supervisor and maternal and child health programs.
The lower waste charge was attributed to lower costs involving the Stevensons Road closed landfill debacle and the Carbon Tax repeal.
The council’s hearty financial health is shown by a forecast yearly $84 million surplus in delivering a $248 million operating budget.
Its accumulated surplus is expected to top $1.5 billion over the next 20 years.
Some fee and charge rises for 2015-’16 have some sting – kindergarten fees are up $60 a term from 2014-’15.
At Wilson Botanic Park, the most lavish wedding package doubles to $1675, and hire of picnic tables triples to $110.
Some event fees at the gardens have been reduced.
Family membership and non-Casey school excursion charges at Myuna Farm also rise steeply.
Other sharp increases include some learn-to-swim and membership joining fees at Casey ARC and RACE.
Written community submissions are open until the budget is formally adopted at a council meeting on 23 June.
