Casey rates up 7.5 per cent

CASEY Council has adopted its 2013-2014 budget on Tuesday, which includes a 7.5 per cent rate rise and a $56.8m investment in community infrastructure.
Casey mayor Amanda Stapledon said the council was faced with an unprecedented number of financial pressures imposed on it including increased street lighting costs ($650,000), reduction in State and Federal Government grants and cost shifting ($350,000) and unfunded superannuation liabilities placed on all Councils ($1.37m).
“In addition, Council still has to carry the ongoing costs of the Federal Government’s carbon tax in 2013-14 (in excess of $1m),” she said.
The 7.5 per cent general rate increase comprises a 4.5 per cent increase plus 3 per cent for external imposts to fund community infrastructure.
The fire service levy will appear as a separate charge on council rates notices and will be $100 for residential properties and $200 for non-residential properties, plus a variable cost based on the property’s capital improved value listed on rates notices.
All funds collected will go towards supporting Victoria’s fire services and help to fund the cost of the Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board (MFB) and the Country Fire Authority (CFA).
Cr Stapledon said the budget would assist the council to deliver its vision for the city to ensure Casey was the city of choice to live, work and raise a family.
“The 2013-14 budget features a $56.8m capital works program to deliver the necessary infrastructure that Casey’s 270,000 residents need such as family and children’s facilities, sports grounds, roads and open spaces,” she said.
“Community feedback is critical to the development of council’s budget and I would like to thank all residents who took the time to review the draft budget and make a submission.”
Some of the major projects included in the budget are the construction of the $6.4m Carlisle Park football/cricket oval and pavilion, including tennis courts; construction of a $4.5m Lynbrook Community Centre and Hall, construction of a $3.2m Arbourlea Family and Children’s Centre, completion of the $6.6m AFL and cricket ovals and pavilion and netball courts at Marriott Waters Estate, design of the synthetic athletics track at Edwin Flack Reserve, and more than $1.5m of path improvements and extensions.
To view the City of Casey’s 2013-14 Budget visit www.casey.vic.gov.au/budget.