Budget ‘largest ever’ says mayor

CASEY mayor Kevin Bradford has dubbed the proposed 2006-07 budget the city’s largest ever with a continued major investment in community infrastructure and boost to services.
Of the $155 million budget, $113 million is proposed to be spent on delivering more than 100 different services.
And $42 million is allocated to the Capital Works Program to build and improve roads, parks and reserves, recreation facilities and community buildings.
The News understands some of the big winners in the draft budget are Frog Hollow Reserve in Endeavour Hills, which will receive funding for stage two pavilion upgrades to turn it into a premier rugby facility and facilitate women players.
The Doveton Library is also expected to receive funds for its first redevelopment works in more than 20 years.
The Hallam Recreation Reserve is expected to receive funding to upgrade tennis facilities along with Casey’s new traffic school and the Oakgrove Community Centre in Narre Warren South. Funds are also expected to be allocated to the Pearcedale Recreation Pavilion and for bus parking bays on Brunt Street Cranbourne.
Cr Bradford said: “Council has allocated $1.3m for council grants and contributions and, in addition, each Councillor has been funded $5,000 to be allocated towards ward projects and community groups.”
The draft 2006-07 budget will be on public exhibition from 25 May until Thursday, 8 June.
Written submissions under Section 223 of the Local Government Act 1989 on any proposal contained in the draft budget must be made to council by close of business on Thursday, 8 June.
Submissions should be addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, City of Casey, PO Box 1000, Narre Warren, 3805.
The Council will consider any written submissions at a special council meeting to be held at the Civic Centre, Magid Drive, Narre Warren on Tuesday, 13 June 2006.
The draft budget was officially released today after the News had gone to print.