Council rates rise approved

By Tania Martin
SHIRE of Yarra Ranges residents will receive a 7 per cent rate hike after the council last week adopted its 2006-07 budget.
The council blamed the rate rise on rising petrol prices and a $150,000 increase in insurance premiums.
Chief executive office Rob Hauser said that the council’s insurance premiums had increased from $1.24 million in 2005-06 to $1.4 million in 2006-07.
An average household rate will rise by $65 a year or $1.25 per week, with the bill jumping from $1008 to $1073 per year.
The budget was last week adopted unchanged, despite receiving four submissions including one regarding the rate increase, another expressing appreciation over the council’s commitment to the environment, and several other requesting road safety improvements and aquatic facility upgrades.
The council’s 2006-07 promises to deliver its biggest ever capital work program, with more than $27.2 million to be spent on infrastructure.
The environment was also a big winner in the budget with the council allocating $1.3 million towards weed management, revegetation and tree planting.
Meanwhile, Monbulk’s community centre project will receive $350,000, and Silvan Recreation Reserve will be able to undertake drainage works with a $250,000 funding injection.
Belgrave will receive $1.1 million for capital work projects including, townships improvements, park and trails upgrades, and various road and drainage projects.