Greater Dandenong City Council adopted its Council Plan 2021-25 (Revised 2023), Annual Plan 2023-24, Budget 2023-24 and Long-Term Financial Plan 2024-33 at the 26 June Council meeting.
Council is committed to improving the services and facilities we offer to our community and these documents outline Council’s long-term focus and key strategic activities and projects for the next 12 months.
CEO, Jacqui Weatherill said Council’s strategic plans ensure the long-term financial sustainability of Council.
“Council retains a strong focus on the future needs for this municipality and the Budget 2023-24 is a realistic and responsible budget influenced by current cost of living and inflationary pressures.
“Like many households and businesses, Council faces increased energy and construction costs. The key challenge over the next decade will be keeping rates affordable by meeting the Victorian Government imposed rate cap,” Jacqui said.
Mayor, Cr Eden Foster said the current economic climate will not restrict Council’s ambitions and expectations as to what can be achieved.
“Council is committed to making things better for our residents and to protect and enhance
vital services in the City of Greater Dandenong. Our capital program continues to invest in community facilities and infrastructure totalling more than $58 million in 2023-24. This will boost local construction and employment opportunities,” said the Mayor.
The 2023-24 Budget also includes significant building projects including the design for the Dandenong Community Hub ($2 million) and construction of the Keysborough South Community Hub ($11 million), the Dandenong New Art gallery ($3 million), the Dandenong Wellbeing Centre ($5.5 million), the Precinct Energy Plant (PEP) and the kitchen upgrade at Lyndale Secondary College Pavilion.
Over $9 million will be invested in active reserves, passive open space and lighting to improve the safety and quality of our city’s natural environment.
Council has also chosen to progress the Greening Our City tree planting program to increase the green cover in our municipality at a faster rate than originally planned, adding $268,000 to the 2023-24 operating expenditure budget.
Nearly $8 million of capital expenditure for road resurfacing, rehabilitation and reconstruction programs is also included in the 2023-24 Budget (partly funded by $816,000 of Roads to Recovery grant funding).
To achieve this level of capital works investment in 2023-24, Council has sought several funding sources other than rates, including borrowings, grant funding and transfers from internal reserves.
Our community’s vision continues to guide Council’s priorities now and into the future and the actions contained within the Annual Plan highlight how we will:
- improve the health and wellbeing of residents
- support the most vulnerable in our community and ensure Council’s services and support networks are inclusive
- educate our community about climate change and protecting our biodiversity
- support our local businesses and enhance skill development to improve the employment and learning opportunities of our community.
