Resident of the Glen Eira City Council?… Have Your Say

Glen Eira City Council’s 2017–18 Draft Annual Budget is now available for public comment. Residents have until Thursday 1 June to provide feedback on the Budget.

The key points:

The rate rise

• The proposed budget is based on a rate increase of 2 per cent. This is in line with the new Fair Go Rates System (FGRS) which has capped rates increases by Victorian councils to the forecast movement of 2 per cent in line with the forecasted Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the financial year 2017–18.
• The average rates per assessment for 2017–18 is estimated at $1,361.

New capital expenditure

To support Council’s $2.05 billion of community assets, new capital expenditure is projected at $34.08 million for asset renewals, upgrades and expansions. Highlights of the capital works program include:

• Priority items — this includes the renewal and upgrade of Council’s major infrastructure assets, such as: road reconstruction ($5.19 million); drainage improvement program ($3.57 million); footpaths ($2.01 million); and local road resurfacing ($1.5 million).
• Building works — comprising buildings and building improvements, upgrade and renewal of community facilities; Municipal offices; sports facilities; and pavilions ($5.53 million).
• Open space — this includes open space initiatives; parks; playing surfaces; and playground equipment ($8.85 million).
• Environmental initiatives — this includes warm season grasses;Council’s Bicycle Strategy (continuation of off-road paths, extensions to the on-road network and works to improve existing conditions); installation of LED lights; park lighting energy efficiency upgrade; and photovoltaic systems on council assets to generate renewable energy ($1.92 million).
• Transport and planning — this includes safety projects at cross intersections, pedestrian and safer speed limits; school safety; shopping centres; sustainable transport; and disabled parking upgrades ($1.2 million).
• Plant and equipment — this includes plant, machinery and equipment; information technology and telecommunications; and library collections ($5.51 million).

Public open space

This Budget continues the Open Space Strategy, which Council approved on 8 April 2014 following widespread community consultation. The following open space projects are funded:

• Joyce Park Open Space Conversion – $400,000
• Spring Road Reserve upgrade – $250,000
• EE Gunn Reserve – Masterplan Outcomes – $500,000
• Rosanna Street Reserve – Stage 1 – $250,000
• Lord Reserve and Koornang Park Masterplan Development – $100,000
• Aileen Avenue – New Open Space – $25,000 (concept plan).

Waste and recycling

Waste and recycling charges are levied on the basis of cost recovery and the fees have increased by approximately 2 per cent. Residential Garbage Charges for 2017-18 are set at:

• Large 240L Waste Charge $366 (including an estimated $50 State Levy)  ($359 in 2016-17)
• Small 120L Waste Charge $177 (including an estimated $24 State Levy)  ($174 in 2016-17)
• Residential Flat Shared Bins (240L) Waste Charge $177 per assessment (including an estimated $24 State Levy)  ($174 in 2016-17)
• 240L Family Bin $256 (including an estimated $50 State Levy) ($251 in 2016-17)
• Medical 240L Waste Charge $177 (including an estimated $50 State Levy) ($174 in 2016-17)
• Litter Management Charge $54 ($55 in 2016-17).

Pensioner rebate

The combined State and Council pensioner rebate will be maintained at a total of $270, which is higher than in most Victorian municipalities.

Fire Service Property Levy

From 1 July 2013, the State Government commenced using Local Governments’ rate systems as a collection agent for the Fire Services Property Levy. The levy is listed on Council rate notices, collected by Councils and paid to the State Government.

Early Learning Centre Fees

These fees are proposed as follows: for zero to three-year-olds, $130 per day ($127 in 2016–17), for three to five-year-olds, $122 per day ($119 in 2016–17). These fees are below mid-point of fees across Glen Eira. Actual costs will depend on the Commonwealth Government rebate in individual circumstances.

Budget information session

An information session on the 2017–18 Budget will be held for the public on Monday 22 May from 6.30pm at in the Caulfield Cup Room at Glen Eira Town Hall, corner Glen Eira and Hawthorn Roads, Caulfield.

Copies of the proposed Budget are available for inspection at the following locations: Council’s Service Centre, Glen Eira Town Hall, corner Glen Eira and Hawthorn Roads, Caulfield from 8am to 5.30pm weekdays (until 7.15pm Tuesdays) and Glen Eira library branches during business hours. A copy of the Budget is available below:

2017–18 Draft Annual Budget(PDF, 3MB)

Draft Strategic Resource Plan 2017–18 to 2026–27(PDF, 2MB)

Budget process

The Budget is open for written submissions until Thursday 1 June.

Submissions for the Budget should be marked Budget Submission and addressed to: Chief Financial Officer, Glen Eira City Council, PO Box 42 Caulfield South, 3162.

Submissions may also be delivered to Council’s Service Centre at Glen Eira Town Hall, corner Glen Eira and Hawthorn Roads, Caulfield.

Submissions received to the proposed Budget will be heard by Council at an Ordinary Council Meeting of Tuesday 13 June.

Subject to any amendments resulting from the submissions, the Budget will be considered for adoption at a Special Council Meeting on Tuesday 27 June at 7pm in the Council Chambers at Glen Eira Town Hall, corner Glen Eira and Hawthorn Roads, Caulfield.